So I know this is an old thread but I'm considering switching from Realtrax to Atlas.  Last year I revised my 24x12 layout track plan to eliminate all O-42 curves.   I can now operate all of my MTH Premier engines on either the inner or outer loop.  I now need to screw down track and ballast to improve the appearance of layout.   I know that ballasting Realtrax will take as much if not more effort than Atlas.  Due to the wide, non-prototypical Realtrax tie spacing, it won't look as good when I'm done.

For the last 2-3 years I've been designing layouts with Atlas O and recently did my layout with Atlas.   I found the greater variety of switches and curves resolved some design issues I had with Realtrax.   Specifically Realtrax doesn't offer a O-63,64 curve.  Four of my mainline inner curves are O-54 AND I want to maintain prototypical even spacing between outer and inner loops.   My workaround on the outer loop with Realtrax was to alternate O-72 and half O-54 sections.   While this works, I notice large steamers jerk when transitioning from the O-72 to O-54.  Speaking of spacing, Realtrax curves nests 5" on center (O-72, O-82), Atlas nests 4.5".  That saves me a half inch next to walls which I need since switching to bigger scale engines from Railking.

I'm modeling Harpers Ferry which features several bridges and a low trestle.  Realtrax built-in roadbed simply doesn't look prototypical atop bridges and trestles.  At online prices, it will cost me around $2k to buy Atlas for my mainline and some of my sidings (considering using existing Realtrax for staging yard).   I consider the upgrade to Atlas worthwhile if I can sell all 180' my used Realtrax for about a grand.

c.sam posted:

You have REALTRAX, the previous discussion was about ScaleTrax...   Vastly different creatures!

ScaleTrax has the easiest and best Flex track in O gauge (3R) plus the lowest profile (height) rail that helps our equipment appear more massive than it does on the taller rail of the others Atlas included. ALl systems have their own advantages and shortcomings...

Sam,  the title of this topic is:

Atlas O track 3 rail vs. MTH realtrax

So my post is spot on target and appropriate.  Your post about SCALETRAX flex track isn't helpful.

A - HA!    A thousand pardons sir. You are correct.  Best I have these spectacles checked soon....

"I consider the upgrade to Atlas worthwhile if I can sell all 180' my used Realtrax for about a grand."

Check my math, but that means about $5-6 per foot.  Seems optimistic to me about the price one can get for new track, much less used track.  Good luck.

Landsteiner posted:

"I consider the upgrade to Atlas worthwhile if I can sell all 180' my used Realtrax for about a grand."

Check my math, but that means about $5-6 per foot.  Seems optimistic to me about the price one can get for new track, much less used track.  Good luck.

Thanks for the used track cost estimate.   I thought my estimate might be optimistic.  My estimate includes 12 switches.   Has anyone had success selling used Realtrax?  If so how much did switches and 30" straights go for?   Did you sell in lots or the whole collection?

I have only briefly used Realtrax with a couple of MTH starter sets a few years ago (2011-2012). I went with Atlas soon after getting the starter sets. I am a big fan of Atlas track, both track and switches. It is a bit pricey, but it's well worth it to me. One of our forum members posted a great way to connect power wires to Atlas track and I followed his directions. I have been very happy he posted that too!! If you are interested I'll find the thread and post a link for you.

It works great, track seldom needs cleaning, I can't, at this moment, really think of any problems I have had with it and I really like the looks of it. I guess availability would be the only thing, but I think they are getting or have gotten that under control somewhat from a few years ago. Anyway, I am very happy with mine!

I did purchase some used switches and I had problems with some of them. Atlas was very helpful and I was able to get parts from them to fix all but one switch which had a missing rail piece. I have been buying only new track and switches since that happened. I also used all Atlas switch machines, except for one which was in a tight place and would not fit. I was able to fit a DZ-1000 in that spot. Those are very nice switch machines as well, but a bit more cost than the ones from Atlas.

I don't have any idea what either track type is worth on the used market, haven't stayed current with any used for sale items lately? Trying to recover from the past several years of catching up on new purchases from 2011 when I git back in the hobby.

Donna D-H,  I have used Atlas O 3 rail track for many years, still do today.  It very easy to work with, wire up, even the switches. One piece of advice, put a power feed on all 3 sides of every switch and you are good to go.  I have MTH Z4000, Legacy Control.  Have not had problems at all.

I have used both Gargraves and Ross track ans switches, no I am trying MTH ScaleTrax. Like it after I saw what Rich Battista did on the Black Diamond RR. For my Millhouse River TT and Altoona Modelworks RH, I plan to use Atlas as recommeded by Alan & Alan who were both very helpful in the design that area. Now, I just need to build them.

rtr12 posted:

I have only briefly used Realtrax with a couple of MTH starter sets a few years ago (2011-2012). I went with Atlas soon after getting the starter sets. I am a big fan of Atlas track, both track and switches. It is a bit pricey, but it's well worth it to me. One of our forum members posted a great way to connect power wires to Atlas track and I followed his directions. I have been very happy he posted that too!! If you are interested I'll find the thread and post a link for you.

It works great, track seldom needs cleaning, I can't, at this moment, really think of any problems I have had with it and I really like the looks of it. I guess availability would be the only thing, but I think they are getting or have gotten that under control somewhat from a few years ago. Anyway, I am very happy with mine!

I did purchase some used switches and I had problems with some of them. Atlas was very helpful and I was able to get parts from them to fix all but one switch which had a missing rail piece. I have been buying only new track and switches since that happened. I also used all Atlas switch machines, except for one which was in a tight place and would not fit. I was able to fit a DZ-1000 in that spot. Those are very nice switch machines as well, but a bit more cost than the ones from Atlas.

I don't have any idea what either track type is worth on the used market, haven't stayed current with any used for sale items lately? Trying to recover from the past several years of catching up on new purchases from 2011 when I git back in the hobby.

PLEASE post thread for the track wiring for Atlas....Thank you

I believe that the referenced technique for connections to Atlas track is one developed by Ingeniero No1.  He has posted this several times on the forum. His method is at the end of this thread.

https://ogrforum.com/...76#56897700552571876

LPB007 has posted the correct link above, that is precisely the one I was referring to.

Thanks LPB!

Dear Osidian

All tracks have plus and neg issue with them. When I first start out with my carpet layout I used MTH, Atlas and Fastrack.  When I used the Fastack for my carpet layouts and worked o.k, it had issue but it worked. I did not like the MTH track and the Atlas track did not work for me at that time. Now I am building my permanent layout and have gone with Atlas track for the whole layout. The only thing that bugs me about Atlas is that they do not have switches for 81 and better curves. I got some great deals on 10" Straight terminal item# 6010 second hand for $4.00 per pc. I have not tried Ingeniero No1method but again this your layout what ever works for you and your budget.