After a few years with N, a decade with HO, and then another 12 years away from the hobby, I'm ready to plunge into N guage again. I'll be modeling the E-L Tioga Division in the 60's/70's.
I've discovered some wonderful new changes to the guage such as Atlas code 55 track, micro couplers, and much more detailed cars/locos. I bought a bunch of the code 55 flex track and some turnouts at my "local" (1 hr. away) HS. Unfortunately I failed to ask some important questions. I wanted to convert my freight cars from the Rapido style couplers and bought a box of truck/couplers (MicroTrains). Unfortunately it turns out (you probably already knew this) they won't run on the Atlas track. Interestingly my old Con Cor PA1 does fine, and the new lightweight Con Cor passenger cars run fine!
My question is this, does anyone manufacture truck/coupler combo's that will run on the new Atlas track or will I need to buy replacement axle/wheels for the brand new trucks/couplers?
Also, how can you know when you buy a loco (I REALLY like the Atlas GP7 E-L torpedo's!) or cars, if they'll run on the new track? Even the Manufacturer's sites seem to be pretty mum on the subject. Most of my purchases will be made at the HS, but they don't always have what I need in stock.
Thanks for your help!
Bob
I've discovered some wonderful new changes to the guage such as Atlas code 55 track, micro couplers, and much more detailed cars/locos. I bought a bunch of the code 55 flex track and some turnouts at my "local" (1 hr. away) HS. Unfortunately I failed to ask some important questions. I wanted to convert my freight cars from the Rapido style couplers and bought a box of truck/couplers (MicroTrains). Unfortunately it turns out (you probably already knew this) they won't run on the Atlas track. Interestingly my old Con Cor PA1 does fine, and the new lightweight Con Cor passenger cars run fine!
My question is this, does anyone manufacture truck/coupler combo's that will run on the new Atlas track or will I need to buy replacement axle/wheels for the brand new trucks/couplers?
Also, how can you know when you buy a loco (I REALLY like the Atlas GP7 E-L torpedo's!) or cars, if they'll run on the new track? Even the Manufacturer's sites seem to be pretty mum on the subject. Most of my purchases will be made at the HS, but they don't always have what I need in stock.
Thanks for your help!
Bob