TRACK QUESTION FOR MY FRIENDS

[Jim Hornaday]

Morning all! What is everyones opinion of Atlas 3-rail track? I went to Mr. Muffin's Trains on Saturday and was really impressed with his trackwork. I've had the thought of just going with traditional 3-rail tubular track (from Menards), which I like, but I find myself being drawn more towards the "realistic" look. Plus, I want my trackwork to be bullet-proof!!

Thanks for the opinions!!

[palallin]

Atlas provides good looking, versatile, well-built track; I use it myself.

It is not, however, bullet-proof.  It does not work well for temporary layouts:  it wants to be laid permanently.  It is somewhat fragile--short pieces and switches in particular--and it wants a solid, even  foundation.  The blackened center tail really needs to have its coating removed for good conductivity, and it will need to be kept very clean, especially for CC layouts.  The switches can be buggy, especially older ones, about getting power to all the rails, and some of the fixes can create shorts when wheels hit guard rails and the frog.

As I said, I use it, and I wouldn't change, but go into it with eyes open about its imitations. 

[robmcc]

I'll second the Atlas O. I did the whole pros and cons as well when I was making a track selection, and I felt Atlas O had the best balance. Palallin did a pretty good summary, although I do have some wide radius curves I use for the "Carpet Central" from time to time, and they've held up for multiple set ups. I looked at MTH Scaletrax as well, but there has been plenty of supply issues over the last few years.

Rob

 

[sir james I]

Old style tubular track will give you the best electricly. After that it becomes your choice. I am a Gargrave man but Lionels fastrack has proven very reliable as well. The sound issue is easily overcome with the right kind of base under it.

[Firelock76]

They're all pretty good, Atlas, Gargraves, Lionel Fastrack, MTH Realtrax et al.

My advice?  Buy the best you can afford, it's hard to go wrong that way.

I use MTH Realtrax myself, I like the corrosion-proof nickle silver rails since the layout's in a backyard shed without air conditioning or any kind of climate control.