Atlas Track.

although nice looking, Atlas is very fragile and does not like to be re-used over and over. a piece of Gargraves will work with the Atlas joiners and is much sturdier and less expensive.

I think Atlas was meant more for permanent layouts rather than portable modules? The track joiners will loosen up over time with repeated use and you may end up with poor connections even with Gargraves or Ross track.

I am far from an expert, but I use Atlas track and have had a few temp layouts with it before finally getting a permanent one last year. I have not had problems with the rail joiners on the new track I have purchased with new rail joiners. I have purchased some used track that came with joiners and have had to tighten a few of those with the needle nose pliers. After a few of those I just started replacing them with new.

If you have any of the old, original rail joiners that do not have dimples, I would throw those away and replace them with the new dimpled ones. 

Popi,

    Using Atlas track over and over again to rebuilt with is seriously frustrating, I will never own any of it again, one small layout years ago that we tried to rebuild several times, cured me of Atlas track & switches permanently.  I know you like to build modular to travel to the shows with, if I was building a modular today for modern trains, it would be with Ross track & switches all the way. The other way to go for running all different kinds of trains, is the K-Line Super Snap (RMT), however you have to acquire the track & switches a little at a time, mass purchasing is kind of tough with RMT being only a medium sized company.

PCRR/Dave

After building my own modules with a club I belonged to and building the Atlas display layouts that were used at York including the large 40' X 10' modular layout I would not recommend using the small 5 1/2 " sections to join the modules together. I understand your thoughts about sliding the joiners on like the HO & N scale modular clubs do but the track used in that fashion will present a problem as you found out. Trying to adapt to the tubular rail using the transition joiners would not be a great choice but they have their place on a permanent layout. I know of many clubs that use the Atlas track on their modules and use the small 4 1/2" or 5 1/2" sections or even the 10" sections without a problem to add when setting up their display. The 40' X 10' layout used at York had the tracks laid directly flush to the ends of all the modules and never used rail joiners to connect the modules and never had any problems. What I did do to help keep the tracks aligned at the ends of all the track pieces I trimmed the stock plastic ties off and replaced them with the "Snap Lock" end replacement pieces. This allowed me to slide them back when transporting the modules and sliding them together when setting up the modules.

Have used the solid steel track for ~ 10 years over & over & have had no problems. Take it up & down every year. Sometimes the connectors get a little loose & I just crimp them again or use a new connector if is still too loose. 

Hi 

I use atlas track on all our modules for the North Penn 'O'Gaugers.

  We do have small problems but not enough to stop us.

 We use a drummer tool to cut the rail. if we brake one off we supper glue back in place.

we don't slide rail joints at all we found rail expands to much and will pop off ties.

I have used Atlas O track successfully for years with zero problems.

It is really not meant for use being transported and inserting and re-inserting sections.

IMO it is not to be used as a connector with tubular track because you will have either mechanical or electrical failure. Don't judge the track when used in a way that it was not meant for. Ain't nothing perfect. 

I had very few problems with Atlas track, even flex track, when I put mine down.  Nothing broke and I connected frequently at junctions, cut to custom length, etc. I do agree with Scher: it is not intended to be put together and taken apart frequently. 

I have never had problems with it either, but my application was a permanent layout which as others have stated is how Atlas is meant to be used.  I can see how it would not like a "modular" environment.

You can do a lot with Atlas track.

One of my interesting projects was the pit rail for a scratch built TT.

You are aware that you CAN fix broken Atlas O spikes by using HO steel spikes and salvage the track sections.

and the repair will not fail!

Excellent repair method!

PRRHorsesSC,

   That is the best fix for damaged Atlas track I have ever seen, nice engineering very nice job.

PCRR/Dave

I have had no problems with Atlas track or switches that I have purchased new, some switches I purchased used had to have some repairs. Once fixed they work fine. I also used it for 2-3 years for temp layouts with good success. I have never tried it with modular type layouts with repeated setups and tear downs.

It just works for me with no problems and seldom needs cleaning, I rarely clean it and some of it I am now using has never been cleaned. To each his own, but I am sold on it and really like the track system, solid rails, looks and quietness of it. I am looking forward to the announced improvements Atlas has made to the track system while switching manufacturing locations and once again having switches available, coming up soon.

Also good repair instructions above, I am saving those for future reference!

Where do you get the HO steel spikes? I'm not familiar with HO at all.

You can find them all over, Micro Mark or Micro engineering just to name a few.

Some people like Fords...some like Chevrolets...it is amazing how people's minds work like that...and...there's no changing it either...you see it demonstrated here over and over again.

Hey...let's talk track cleaning and track cleaners...there's something we can all agree on.

Oh my...LOL.....

Thanks N & W Class A for the info

MikeCT,

Remind me to never bid on the job at your interlocking. :-) OMG!

Looks like you had fun putting it together.

Conductor Earl