best track for my layout??

[JackR]

I'm leaning to use Atlas True-Track which comes in only 83.  The reason is that it goes together rather fast.  The track bed looks ok to me also.  However I'd like to know if anyone on this list has used True-Track before and what do you think of it.

Thanks for your replies.  Jack Reinemeyer

[Texas Zepher]

Midnight Railroader

ndbprr

It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling. 

You must be incredibly rough with your track for this to even be a considertaion.

No just a little rough.   I have had a modular layout that I take to train shows all the time.  There are always accidents and I usually consider one damaged item per show as normal.  Occasionally these would damaged items would be the track.  Then I made a modular section using code-83 track.   Every show I had to replace multiple sections of track.  The slightest ding (normal for traveling modulars) would rip it, bend it, warp it, etc.  It was the worst decision I ever made.  I finally got smart and re-tracked with code 100.    Now on the other hand, on a fixed layout, I cannot imagine there would be that much difference. 

[Midnight Railroader]

ndbprr

It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling. 

 

You must be incredibly rough with your track for this to even be a considertaion.

I have used various sizes of HO flextrack for years and have never, ever damaged a piece via "handling."

 Code 100 track is no more or less "reliable" than code 83, 70, or 55.

[ndbprr]

Code 100 will handle virtually engine or car since flanges will clear the base.  That means you can run European sources if you wish.  It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling.  Its cheaper.  Buy a piece of code 100 and code 83 and see if there is a difference when you lay it down. 

[Midnight Railroader]

ndbprr

Most reliable - code 100 flex track

 

 Wait, how is code 100 more "reliable" than code 83?

[ndbprr]

Depends on your definition of "Best"

Most reliable - code 100 flex track

Most realistic - code 83 or smaller

Most depedendabilty - nickel silver

Best turnout - Peco (in my opinuion)

[deliveryguy]

thanks for all the info I will see what I can come up with

 

steve

[Texas Zepher]

deliveryguy

I have a bit of the lifelike powerloc track but was wondering if the reg atlas track is any better?? or would it be ok to just stick with what I got and go from there??

First let me say that I think the idea behind the powerloc track is the best one for sectional track out there; however, the implementation of the idea lacks any quality at all.  I find the track to be junky.   Despite that, the bigger issue in my mind is the limited number of track pieces that are available.  With so few choices it greatly limits the track plans that can be built.   Atlas makes many more different pieces to choose from, allowing greater variety in how it is laid out.
 

[CTValleyRR]

willy6

I see it as buying a Chevy, Ford , or Dodge. I have really never had a problem with Atlas code 83 and some people hate it and I never tried Pecos or Walthers so I guess my comment is useless.

No, actually, I'd say you are right on the money.  There is no one right way to skin a cat; which track type is right for the individual modeller depends on his circumstances.  Personally, I wouldn't dare try to hand-lay anything!

If the OP can post a little more information on what he's going to do, we can be a little more specific in our help.  For example, while track with integral roadbed tends to take a lot of the risk out of track laying, it also limits your layout configuration choices.

And BTW Chuck, I superelevate sectional track with shims.  It works just fine.

[Midnight Railroader]

tomikawaTT

Spiral easements into curves can't be formed with sectional track.  The closest approach is two sections of progressively larger radius (ratio 1:1.5:3:tangent where 1 is the curve radius.)

 

And, for those of you saying you don't care about this, I guarantee that once you see a model railroad with sprial easements into the curves, you will never, ever see the straight-track-attached-to-a-curved-piece the same way again.

[willy6]

I see it as buying a Chevy, Ford , or Dodge. I have really never had a problem with Atlas code 83 and some people hate it and I never tried Pecos or Walthers so I guess my comment is useless.

[markpierce]

I stopped using sectional track when the layout stopped being the rug.  It has been flex track and handlaid track ever since, and I have no urge to return to my "rug" days.

Mark

[tomikawaTT]

IMHO, Atlas flex and handlaid specialwork is the only way to fly.

For those who flee screaming into the night at the mention of hand-laying a simple turnout, just enter turnouts in the search block and settle back for a long evening's reading on the pros and cons of the various commercial products that I don't use.

Sectional track, on roadbed or not, is good enough for a beginner layout, but has severe limitations:

• Track geometry is determined by the manufacturer, not the modeler.  Curve radii are standard, usually small and probably not optimum for the conditions.
• Smooth transitions from level to grades are the impossible dream.
• Spiral easements into curves can't be formed with sectional track.  The closest approach is two sections of progressively larger radius (ratio 1:1.5:3:tangent where 1 is the curve radius.)
• Sectional track, being rigid, cannot be superelevated.
• Connecting sections on roadbed made by different manufacturers can get interesting.
• Using sectional track on roadbed locks the modeler into using the same manufacturer's turnouts.

All of the above make sectional track the choice of last resort for this more experienced modeler.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on Atlas flex and hand-laid specialwork)

[pavalons]

 As far as track with a built on roadbed...KATO Unitrack is the best. Expensive but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Otherwise Atlas code 83 flex track is the popular choice.

[deliveryguy]

lol

[Midnight Railroader]

deliveryguy

wondering what the best kind of track for my soon to be started layout

 

  Handlaid.

 

(Yes, I am kidding....)

[deliveryguy]

hello again I was wondering what the best kind of track for my soon to be started layout now I have a bit of the lifelike powerloc track but was wondering if the reg atlas track is any better?? or would it be ok to just stick with what I got and go from there?? thanks for the help and opinions

 

steve