Atlas Truss Bridge Parts/Track

[palallin]

I need two 40" sections of decking/track that are used on the 2-track Atlas Truss bridge (3-rail). I am told--I haven't seen them in person--that these track sections differ from normal 40" sections of Atlas track (because they incorporate the special bridge ties??). I have two sections of this decking in 2-rail (having gotten a deal on a 2-rail version of the bridge), but I need 3-rail. I could conceiveably add a center rail, but I'd rather swap parts than screw up perfectly good ones. I had thought that finding such parts would be easy, but Atlas seems to believe that they don't have any; in any case, they are reluctant to discuss the issue.

I think it just possible that someone has bought the bridge and used different track on it and has the two deck/track sections lying around unused. Would anyone have any leads?

[mickey4479]

I wonder about this. I have a 40 inch single track Atlas bridge. I got it so long ago that I do not remember if it came with track or not. If it did come with track, I would have used it and I do not see any difference in the ties.
Regarding bridge ties, I did have an HO layout with an Atlas double track bridge. I had to buy track for that and if I recall correctly, I used code 100 track that did have longer ties. Let us know what you find out, if anything.

[palallin]

Thanks for the info, mickey: that's very interesting.

[mickey4479]

palallin, I apologize. I relied on my memory rather than going downsatirs to actually look at the Atlas bridge carefully. I have an MTH bridge that did not come with track. I used Atlas track for that and it fit perfectly between the walkways that are on both sides of that bridge.
My Atlas bridge on careful inspection does indeed have track with ties that actually span the width of the bridge and it must have come with the bridge. Sorry for the confusion.
I will try to attach a photo when I can.

[palallin]

Thanks, mickey!

[mickey4479]

palallin: I saw your comment about Atlas track parts for your bridge and had a thought that might save you $130 to buy a new bridge. Could you add wood ties to regular Atlas track to increase the width of the span as well as the density of ties? With a little weathering and paint to look like tie grunge, it might work. I will see if I can dig up a photo of mine.

[mickey4479]

palallin: Here are a few pics of mine. Hope they help. Good luck.

[palallin]

Thanks, mickey! That's exactly what I expected to see. The pics are a great help.

If only I could find two of those sections!

The mold is little different than that for 2-rail. I may try to slip the rails out of the molded ties and slip in the heavier rail used on the 3-rail track. Then I can simply glue down a center rail.

[mickey4479]

I think I understand the issue now more clearly. You do have the deck with track ties like mine but it is 2 rail. If replacing the 2 rail with larger 3 rails does not work, I suppose you could remove the rails on the 2 rail tie/pieces you have and place Atlas 3 rail track, ties and all, on top of the 2 rail ties. Weathering might help disguise it if there is any cosmetic issue, and it might look good in any event. As you know it would be necessary to lower the bridge to account for the raised level of the rails. I believe the net gain in height inside the bridge would about 1/4 inch and that should not be a problem for height clearance. Let us know how it works out.

[palallin]

That's right. We'll see.