Awesome,
Thanks

whats the difference between atlas true track and atlas 83 code track in HO scale?

Thanks

yes, the layout is going to be DCC. 

I started with the DC and have found it to be very boring running 2 trains simultaneously.  they both run and stop at the same time, its just not fun.   i have some DCC trains now and find it much more enjoyable to run those independently of one another on the same track i once ran the DC trains.  Nope, i am not running DC and DCC trains at the same time.

How do you go about creating a track isolation, or a loop back on to itself using atlas track  is it just a question of using plastic rail joiners? 

Example i am talking about -  I ant to use a wye turnout to make a loop to turn the train around.  my question here is where would the isolation take place.  at the part of the track where there is only once connection to the main line, or where the wye turnout has 2 connections.

Thanks in advance

r0bert, i am not really sure that i understand what you are talking about when you mention the polarity and point setting.  that may be a bit over my head in terms of language.  can you simplify that for me, make it into train talk for dummies please.  Thank you

Thomas, thanks for the info. i am looking at the custom turnouts as well, so long as they have the mechanism already attached to make them remote turnouts.  dont want manual turnouts at all based on the fact alone that many of my turnouts are not going to be easily reached once my new layout is conrstucted

thanks for the info everyone

Atlas has a custom turnout "Atlas #562 #4 Custom-Line Turnout Code 83 HO",  what does this mean, a custom line turnout. 

I get that it allows you to turn a train onto a new track, but wat is custom about it?

Thanks

is it easier to purchase Atlas 83 code flex track and cut it to length or easier to get track lengths of 3 6 & 9" and smaller to fit in to place.

I ask as i am using anyrail to design a new layout and as a newbie i was curious to see which is easier, cutting flex track or using precut pieces

thanks

can anyone tell me the value of the rock island 2119 train 2-8-0 loco.  it has DCC already installed and runs perfectly.

I have seen online prices ranging from 120-190 but i am looking for a realistic price.  does it fall in between those 2 numbers or does it fall in the higher range or lower range.

what would you buy it for if i was to sell it to you?

Thanks

Can anyone provide me with information about this train - Walthers Proto 2000 NYC #4068 #920-31710 Sound

is this a good loco, a bad loco, what is the word about it.  i am trying to find it online and am having a difficult time.  maybe i am just looking in the wrong places, but google keeps pointing me to walthers website, and a couple other links that dont even show this loco

any input is greatly appreciated

Thanks

Obviously any product that is shrunk to size and has plastic on it will never look completely real, but how close can things come. 

I am actually looking at going with atlas Code 83 track for my future layout  As of now i am in the planning stages using anyrail track planner.  pretty cool product too.  hopefully i will have a nice layout 14' long and 12' wide in the form on an L with 3 intertwining tracks, some loading docks train stations, hopefully a sport complex if i can find a nice HO scale football stadium of some sort or just build my own if possible.

Is there a better track to go with than the atlas code 83.  i realize that its all in the personal preference but since i am relatively new and am only using E-Z track right now i am looking for opinions on track

Wow, thats alot of info.  Thanks to you all for this information.  Gives me much to think about and alot of different ways of doing things.

the one question i have from all of this than becomes.  is the cork or roadbed necassary for flex track or even if i was to use atlas track.  Can i lay this track straight onto a plywood or styrofaom surface than apply ballast throughout, or do i need the roadbed or is it really up to my discretion whether or not i put in roadbed.

does the roadbed provide any significant advantages other than quieting the train as it runs across the tracks?  is the roadbed used to just raise the track above the landscaping.

what are the significant advantages to the roadbed and conversely, the disadvantages?

Thanks again, the info is great in helping me determine the route i want to take for my next track build

Which track offers the most, (rails, ties and roadbed), but looks the most realistic?

Or

Is it better to purchase track without and roadbed (atlas), add the cork or another style roadbed beneath the track and lay balast across the track?

From a time and effort standpoint it would seem that bachmann track, with the attached roadbed or a similar track type, is easiest.  but how real will it compare to the track you add the ballast to?

Thanks

D,

Thanks for the info. 

Also, i am finding this loco ranges in price, can you tell me what is a good price for one of these?

Thanks

Can anyone tell me how good or bad the Proto 2000 GP20 (LH) ATSF #1132 with Sound & DCC is as a first time DCC engine owner.  Pros and cons of it. 

I am reading about it but would like to hear from those that have used this engine.

Thanks

What is the rule of thumb for how many wheels per truck for the amount of radius in the turn

is it 4 wheels per truck minimum radius 18"
or
6 wheels per truck minimum radius 18"

is there a rule of thumb for how many wheels can be used on what radius of track?

Thanks