Atlas turnouts (not) getting scarce again

[Maletrain]

There is starting to be some obvious out-of-stock situations for Atlas turnouts.  This was posted on one of the list-serve groups: "The problem is that the Chinese supplier of turnouts and related track products for Atlas and all US and European companies has ended production of train supplies in favor of more profitable product lines."

Hoping Atlas Paul can give us some verification and prognosis.

[mike_lawyer]

I am just starting to build the table for my layout, so this is going to be a big issue if Atlas turnouts are not available.

[mighalpern]

Hand lay them !!.  That what i did last time,  I bought the #6 fast tracks jig which in between the #5 and #7 for atlas,  made #4's from paper templates and even curved #4's   all very good, not much of a learning curve, just get past the first one and build your confidence, after that it gets easier and quicker !!
 

[Point353]

This was posted on one of the list-serve groups: "The problem is that the Chinese supplier of turnouts and related track products for Atlas and all US and European companies has ended production of train supplies in favor of more profitable product lines."

Does that include PECO?

[Chris333]

I was gonna pick up some Atlas Z scale turnouts to play with, but I can't find them in stock anywhere.

[MVW]

Does that include PECO?

Peco manufactures its track in the UK. (Fortunately.) I've become a big fan of Peco turnouts in the 4-5 years I've been using 'em.

No knock on Atlas, because I cheerfully buy their engines, rolling stock, etc., but isn't this the 3rd or 4th turnout shortage they've had in the last 10 years?

Jim

[jdcolombo]

I agree with the "hand lay" them comment.  It's actually not "hand lay" per se.  You build the turnouts at the bench.  The first one will take you 3 hours and it will be awful.  You'll throw it out.  The second will take 2 hours and be passable, but you'll probably still want to throw it out.  By #3, you'll be down to 90 minutes, and the quality will be a revelation.  Buying a Fast Tracks jig and associated tools (I think the Point Form tool is indispensable) isn't cheap, but I calculated the "turnover point" (the point at which hand-made turnouts are as cheap as factory-made, and then get cheaper with each one) at about 20 turnouts.   

And they are so much better, it isn't funny.

John C.

[CBQ Fan]

Finally good timing on my part.  I cleared out Mbklien awhile back, just to have stock.

[glakedylan]

i am pretty well stocked up on Atlas code 55 TO's
#7's and #10's only
willing to part with some to help fund some higher priority stuff
PM me if any interest.


thanks
Gary

[Point353]

I was gonna pick up some Atlas Z scale turnouts to play with, but I can't find them in stock anywhere.

Couldn't find them in stock anywhere?
How many do you need?

http://www.westerndepot.com/product_info.php/products_id/53020
http://www.westerndepot.com/product_info.php/products_id/53021

http://www.needtrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17861
http://www.needtrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17862

http://zscaletrack.com/2811
http://zscaletrack.com/2812

[Point353]

Peco manufactures its track in the UK.

That has been my understanding, as well.

However, the OP posted that the "Chinese supplier of turnouts and related track products for Atlas and all US and European companies has ended production."
AFAIK, until further notice, the UK is still part of the EU.

[peteski]

That has been my understanding, as well.

However, the OP posted that the "Chinese supplier of turnouts and related track products for Atlas and all US and European companies has ended production."
AFAIK, until further notice, the UK is still part of the EU.

But it likely means "European companies which have their track components manufactured in China".

[OldEastRR]

Where are ME turnouts made?

[rodsup9000]

Where are ME turnouts made?

 Fenton Mo (St Louis area)

[Point353]

Where are ME turnouts made?