Atlas Track and Ross Switches

[Anonymous]

Alrighty, I've been doing more reading and research on different track systems and have been reading that Atlas track is quite good for permanent layout plans, and that Ross switches are top notch for quality.

Only thing that has me a bit confused, is that for the Ross switches, what do they mean by the #4, #6, and #8 switch, as compared to the radius-based switches like the ol' O-72, 54 and such?

I really like the special switches that Ross makes, like those 4-ways and such which would be great for making yards and everything. It seems that Ross has a very wide selection of switches and radiuses compared to the other makers.

Now as for Atlas track, though it may be for more permanent-type layouts, can it also be used for temporary layouts as well? I believe that the Ross mates with the Atlas pretty well, and I was also curious on how a trestle-based system could be used for this type of track, mainly for grades and such. And how about for operating cars and accessories?

I may just give all of my FasTrack to my younger brother and start investing in Atlas/Ross based track and switch system. To be honest I never even heard of those brands until I started reading threads on this forum about them. The research continues.

Chris

[jefelectric]

Here are the angles in degrees for numbered switches.

No. 4
1" in 4"
14.25

No. 5
1" in 5"
11.31

No. 6
1" in 6"
9.5

[overall]

Like John says above, the numbers refer to the frog angles. The higher the number the gentler the switch. Atlas makes a 7.5 switch but some forum memebers have had stalling issues with them. That is discussed elsewhere in this forum.

George

[dbaker48]

Not that my research matters much, but I too am abandonding the fast track for Atlas and Ross. Reasons....
1. Switch variety and flexibility
2. Sectional curve track is available
3. Track seems very well manufactured
4. Track can be cut , and even flex the 40" straights
5. Very realistic appearance, even more with minor touch up
6. Compatible with both DCS and TMCC


My opiions

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dbaker48

Not that my research matters much, but I too am abandonding the fast track for Atlas and Ross. Reasons....
1. Switch variety and flexibility
2. Sectional curve track is available
3. Track seems very well manufactured
4. Track can be cut , and even flex the 40" straights
5. Very realistic appearance, even more with minor touch up
6. Compatible with both DCS and TMCC


My opiions

Everything matters. Thank you for your input. [:)]

Chris

[Anonymous]

How about Gargraves and Ross ???

If anyone makes a better switch than Ross I have not seen it.. Expensive but very smooth and realistic.

Gargraves track also comes in flex and pre curved, and available by the box at a very reasonable price from a lot of dealers... I use Bob Thatcher at AM Hobbies...very nice guy, and the fastest shipping i have seen. Sometimes I think he is sitting in a UPS truck waiting for my order....My 2 cents.........Tim

[dbaker48]

I do not have anything against Gargraves. My biggest issue has been MY in experience in forming it correctly without kinks. I have learned since how to work it more and more patience, also at the time Gargraves did not have sectional. The only thing that stands out now in my mind is that the ties can come off very easy. I do have a case of Phantom track, been using it for shelving. I also have about fifty loose ties, but Atlas hasn't had me on it yet either, so time will tell.

[csxt30]

I use the Gargraves almost exclusively, & though I think the other track systems are great too, I don't think you can beat the price of Gargraves, and I also get mine from AM Hobbies. The Ross switches are by far the best, but very costly & I plan to try one of Gargraves new switches with the diecast points. I have heard of one fellow having a problem with it , but I think he was talking about the switch machine. Wonder if anyone has any experience with the new GG switch ?
Thanks,

[mickey4479]

I like Atlas track and switches for the looks and operation. I had a 5 X 9 layout for my first O scale layout. It worked quite well and looked good. So I would not think it is too important of a consideration IMO whether your selection is for a permanent or portable layout. I eventually dismantled my 5 X 9 when I decided to expand to 36 inch wide tables, to make a rectangle 12 feet X 24 feet. After that I added another 70 + feet of bench work for another expansion, I stuck with Atlas and Atlas switches. I found a #7.5 high speed Atlas switch for my loco yard worked great because there is no curve integrated into that switch. This allowed me to transition more gradually at that location. because of the longer transition, the switch is about twice as long as an Atlas 072 switch. I have had no problem with them except for a burn out of one of the switch machines that I can replace. I have heard good things about Ross switches. If I had a special need, I would consider Ross. Since Atlas switches met my needs I stuck with Atlas especially because they work well and for visually continuity. That being said, I have seen photos on this forum of great layouts with all sorts of track. The tubular track does add a nostalgic look to certain period layouts. Since I have not used tubular or track other than Atlas I can't comment on the pros or cons.

Now regarding the switches with numbers associated, I will ask the experts of the forum to comment on the following:

As commented on previous post, the switches with numbers have the tracks turning out at a particular angle. This is different than most of my other Atlas switches where the turn out is actually curved and incorporated into the switch. That way, if you are using 36 inch diameter curves for instance, you can use 36 inch switches in a curve. The numbered switches probably have longer and straighter turn out track and that would probably require a longer transition into a curve. Good luck. Keep us updated.

[yallaen]

I take it that the Atlas track is better than the Lionel track and switches...but are they compatible? I mean..if I have a bunch of area that is hidden..why not use the cheaper Lionel stuff on the back forty hidden from view? Then use the atlas in the visible areas? Same with switches? Are they compatible? And are they both compatible with TCSS?

[phillyreading]

Not sure how Atlas & Ross switches will mate up, what kind of adapters to use. I do know that Atlas & Ross need something to adapt the two together, also Lionel track to Atlas takes a differant adapter pin.
For myself I would rather use GarGraves & Ross switches as no adapters are needed.
Lee.

[Anonymous]

Atlas makes adapter pins for Lionel O-27, Lionel O and Gargraves (which is what you would use on a Ross Switch). The turnouts with numbers match how a prototype switch is made/designated. Most 3 rail folks consider O-72 "large" whereas this would just be typical /tight on a two rail modern era layout. Real railroad curves would be more along the lines of O-120 to O-240.

[Anonymous]

Today, I visited my local hobby shop and bought a few pieces of Atlas track: 3 O-72 curves, two straight sections and the track powered section. I really like the look of this track, especially the rails. I am going to run a few cars over it to see how it looks.

I am not sure about the Atlas switches though since I have heard many reports of those having troubles, so I may still go with the Ross switches, even though I did see several Atlas switches today as well. They had curve radiuses up to O-90. Amazing that you can still have 16 pieces to make a complete circle. I picked up their catalog so I can see all of their track offerings.

I have a good feeling that I will be an Atlas track convert! [:)]

Chris

[tschmidt]

The Ross switches with the DZ2500 switch machines are fantastic. I used Gargraves track and bought the curves already formed. I did not want to try to bend the track and the pre-formed curves worked really well.

TomS

[dougdagrump]

And you can also get the Atlas in steel so you can still run your post war w/magnetraction if you have any.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dougdagrump

And you can also get the Atlas in steel so you can still run your post war w/magnetraction if you have any.

I think Atlas discontinued the steel track, but it doesnt matter too much because I don't have any postwar items.

As for the track, I have decided that I am going to go with Atlas for my new track system. After running an engine over the few pieces I bought yesterday, I have been convinced and am now an Atlas convert! The track looks quite realistic, especially with the 'T' based rail compared to the tube-type rails. And as for my FasTrack, I am going to give what I have to my younger brother. Would be great for him to upgrade from O-27.

I will steer clear of the Atlas switches however, and go with Ross. Gonna call them tomorrow to request a catalog to see what they have to offer.

Chris