Atlas track and switches vs. Ross/Gargraves track and switches

All are good choices, Atlas O track is solid rail. Looks really good, Comes in many sectional pieces, most any curve radius, their switches are now really great. I chose Atlas for its solid rail. I also use both Atlas turnouts, and Ross turnouts.  All are connected to Legacy Command...Ross and Gargraves are tubular steel track. They can dent if a heavy car or Locomotive is dropped on them. Again, both are available in many sectional pieces...Good hunting.

We use ROSS turnouts with Gargraves Phantom rail.  The only consideration is having to shim up the Gargraves a little approaching the turnout to get it level with the ties used by ROSS with their rail.  Otherwise very good pairing.

I will echo that they are both good track systems and each have their own loyal followings. Atlas can be pricy if you buy new but often you can find good deals on previously  owned track. As mentioned by Larry above, it has solid rail and is extremely durable. Atlas and Ross can be mixed if necessary although they look different. 

Ross ( and Gargraves) have large ties that are oversized and out of scale if you are trying for more realism.

Atlas o track can be fixed. Gargraves can't. Gargraves also easily kinks if you are not careful bending it with a jig.  Also atlas o track is more detailed than Ross/gargraves sections. However Ross switches are a superb design and Ross backs up his product years down the road. You could do an Atlas/ Ross switch combo.  Bottom line you get what you pay for.

Atlas track and Ross switches is the way to go.  BigRail 

I have a question for the knowledgeable responders here...is solid rail quieter or noisier than tubular?

Atlas track and Ross switches is the way to go.  I concur!!!

BOB

I've used (and REALLY liked) Atlas track for the past 15 years.  Atlas switches (especially the early ones - some that I still have) can make problems.  Later Atlas switches seem to be OK.

Atlas track is as quiet as there is.  It's very easy to work with.  Looks good.  It's solid and reliable.

If I were starting again, I would go with Atlas track and Ross switches (as others have suggested) - and search for a way to make the rails look similar probably through painting.

I use Atlas track and switches on my home layout and we have Atlas track with Ross switches on our modular layout. In my opinion Atlas track being solid rail is about the quietest track available. Operating locomotives over Atlas switches is smoother than Ross switches however Atlas switches are weaker than Ross switches. The screws on the jumpers under the switch can back out with the constant vibration of trains running across them (its happened to me a few times) and the switch machines are frankly overgrown Atlas HO switch machines which are not robust enough for O gauge. I've fixed my Atlas switches by making sure the jumpers have electrical continuity and putting a drop of epoxy on the jumper screw heads to lock them in place and keep them from backing out. I've installed a capacitive discharge power supply for the switch machines to prevent accidental burnout and to "juice" the voltage going to them. I haven't had a switch failure since starting to do this, about 4 years and they work very well now. Ross switches don't have any of those problems, just drop them in place and go.

My recommendation is if you've been a model railroader for a few years and can troubleshoot switch issues go with Atlas. I was an HO'er and Atlas O switches don't have any more problems than HO switches, just different problems. If you are a newbie or just don't want the hassle, go with Ross.

Ken

You may also want to consider Ross track. Great.

I will be using Ross switches throughout.

I have a loop of Ross track and roadbed that I haven't yet installed, and I will be installing s lot more track. Ross makes roadbed for Atles track as sell, so I am curious, is there s huge difference between Ross rsck and Atles track with regard yo ease of instalation?

Paul,

  Let me know when you want to sell any of your 072 FasTrack and if you have any 1st generation Black mid rail, I will purchase it.

If I ever went away from FastTrack I would go Ross all the way.  Remember also none of these other manufacturers have plug and play low voltage Command Control Switches.

Further if you run Tin Plate the GG and Atlas do not play well with it.

If you are into modern and post war, Go Ross with their newer Tin Plate Switches.

PCRR/Dave

Both are good. It would most likely come down to if you do not want to bend your own track which one has the most choices on switches and preformed curves. Also price is something to consider if you are on a budget. I have used Ross switches and  Gar Graves flex with their preformed curves. On certain spots on my layout I have bent the track to what I needed.......Paul

I use GarGraves flex and Ross switches. Ross has far greater selection of switch sizes and are very smooth in operation. Atlas looks nice and is a bit more scale looking but is expensive and hard to find at times as it comes out of china. Ross and Gargraves always seem to be in stock and are American made and use the same rail and ties so they match up nice. I have never had a problem bending GG flex they have a nice you tube video that shows you how.  if your going to York they will show you how there.  Rick

I use Ross track, Ross switches, probably 30or so, and their turntable, very happy with their product.  DCS and Legacy

Beyond the switchs, I know Ross is supreme!

What is the preference of Atlas track over Ross track?

It is going to come down to what your own situation is. Atlas if you use their switches and track is going to be a lot more expensive (yes, you can buy used stuff, problem with that is you don't know how long it will take to find what you are looking for, and at least from what i have seen even used prices for Atlas can be pretty expensive). Atlas is more scale appearing, the rail is lower profile, it is solid t rail, and it is decorate with tie plates and the like. If you are going to be running post war tinplate with the deeper flanges that may cause problems in the switches, gargraves track is taller as is Ross Switches, so they may not have the problem. Atlas track from what I have seen of it on layouts I visited looks really good, is pretty quiet, and is definitely more prototype looking (if you ignore the third rail, of course. 

Gargraves offers sectional and flex track, as does Atlas, Gargraves from all reports is easier to bend then Atlas. Ross Switches by far offers a lot more selection than Atlas, and the fact that they make their own stuff and it is plentiful may be important. Atlas has had supply problems in the past, and it may have more limited selection, which if you find you need more track and it isn't in stock might be frustrating.

Honestly, both are great track systems, it all depends on what you are looking for. Me, personally, I am going to go with Ross and Gargraves, I am not that concerned by noise (which can be taken care of pretty easily by how you do roadbed and the like), if you ballast and paint the track it looks pretty good to me, and the availability and price (for me) outweighs the disadvantages, the oversize ties, the tall tubular rail, doesn't bother me. Could be after I build I will change my mind..but that is me. I don't think you can go wrong with either one, all about pluses and minuses and your own need, I don't think Atlas is any better quality than the other two brands per se, more like it is designed differently. 

With Ross switches the variety is endless. They are made in America and guaranteed for life. You can power them with DZ switch machines but I prefer and use Tortoise switch machines which are slow moving, foolproof and are mounted out of sight unlike the grotesque Atlas switch machines. Gargraves track is easy to use and mounted over Mid-West cork roadbed looks great. I built my layout 30 years ago and never had any issues with Ross switches or Tortoise.

I guess I wasn't as clear as I could have been.

Is Ross sectional track any harder to work with than Atles or Gargraves sectional track?

Nope. In fact GarGraves and Ross use the same track pins.

I have one thing to add about the switches. Ross uses Z-Stuff DZ1000 switch motors. IMHO they are superior to the Atlas switch motors.

The current layout ,while not immense, would have had an immense price tag if constructed with Atlas.  It was my first choice, and was used on my first layout, but pricing and turnout availability at the time of beginning this layout forced a second look. 

Gargraves serves the purpose nicely and if I care to integrate Atlas or Ross,which I have, from the secondary market then my choices aren't as narrow.  I'm finding that flipping Atlas turnouts helps defer costs on other ROW needs.  Picked up a pair of barely used 7.5's for a C note....probably due to the last owners unsuccessful experience running PW over them.

I seriously doubt there's a difference in noise production between any of the ballast less offerings. As much as one company's rendition of scale ties is undersized,so the others is bloated.  Ballasting tones down the discrepancies.  

Bruce

Ross track and Ross switches are the best on the market. I've been using it for 15 years. NO DERAILMENTS

How do you get the Ross track pieces tight together as you build the layout?

I have a friend who has a large hi rail layout and he has had success with Gargraves track and Gargraves switches, the cost savings using Gargraves is substantial. I like Atlas but have had wiring issues with my switches. Thus I'm think of of making the switch ( no pun intended) to all Gargrages track.

Gargraves track works great for me with a combination of Ross and Gargraves switches. Just bought 41 pieces of Gargraves long section, new - old stock for less than $100 including shipping. This is for future expansion. 4 Gargraves 072 switches with dz 1000, also new for $80 including shipping.

seemed like a good deal

I have 47 Atlas and 12 RCS curved switch tracks on my layout; as well as over 900 feet of Atlas track.

In over six years of operation (how time flies!), I have had no (zero) problems with the Atlas switch machines, and no problems with derailing (except with one specific locomotive, occasionally). However, I have had to replace six of the jumpers under the Atlas switch tracks.

I have had derailing problems with some (three or four) of the RCS switch tracks (with DZ1000 machines) when backing up trains, and also problems with the DZ1000's themselves; primarily bouncing back. Yes, I have tried different voltage levels. Admittedly, the DZ1000's are very well engineered and constructed, and most work fine. After looking closely at the curved RCS switch tracks I have, versus other straight RCS switch tracks, I can see a difference in workmanship. My curved RCS are no where as well made as the other RCS straight switch tracks. I used the RCS curved switch tracks because Atlas did not offer the sizes I wanted. My dual main is Ø108 and Ø99.

If I had to do it all over again (not likely, unless we win the lottery), I would use all Atlas.

One last word: Before you make your final selection, make sure that the track and switch tracks you want are available.

Alex

Ingeniero No1 posted:

I have 47 Atlas and 12 RCS curved switch tracks on my layout; as well as over 900 feet of Atlas track.

In over six years of operation (how time flies!), I have had no (zero) problems with the Atlas switch machines, and no problems with derailing (except with one specific locomotive, occasionally). However, I have had to replace six of the jumpers under the Atlas switch tracks.

I have had derailing problems with some (three or four) of the RCS switch tracks (with DZ1000 machines) when backing up trains, and also problems with the DZ1000's themselves; primarily bouncing back. Yes, I have tried different voltage levels. Admittedly, the DZ1000's are very well engineered and constructed, and most work fine. After looking closely at the curved RCS switch tracks I have, versus other straight RCS switch tracks, I can see a difference in workmanship. My curved RCS are no where as well made as the other RCS straight switch tracks. I used the RCS curved switch tracks because Atlas did not offer the sizes I wanted. My dual main is Ø108 and Ø99.

If I had to do it all over again (not likely, unless we win the lottery), I would use all Atlas.

One last word: Before you make your final selection, make sure that the track and switch tracks you want are available.

Alex

I think that I have decided to go with the left one, with the long segregated siding and yard, and with one long loop. I may also delete the right side spur in the ipper, inner loop. The double loop woold be fun, but that is a lot of extra track, and as has been mentioned, the layout is a bit tight as it is. This will leave a bit more room for a town,and some industry.

Thanks for the honest opinions.

I am jumping on this discussion (sorry), which by the way I use Gargraves Track and Ross switches.  This is for Alex (Ingenerio No.1) or anyone else that understands relay switches:  I could use some advice.  A while ago I purchased some Geeetech 6 Channel relay switches to control 24 segments on my railroad.  I am wiring for DCS and conventional (mostly postwar engines).   The relays did not come with instructions and I cannot find any instructions on line that are either complete or that I can understand.  I am posting a picture of the relay and the description of the leads.  I have played with different combinations of wiring it but to no avail.  What I have done:

1) Brought in 5 vdc to the board via UCC and GND (Ground).  LED light lite up indicating board had power

2) Wired the power from transformer into NC (normally closed) and out to track via COM - did not work as it was always on

2) Switched the power wires to NO and Com - always on; and NO and NC which did nothing

3) Did not know how to put an On/Off switch into the wiring, I realize that Input 1 is part of it but where do I wire the ground?  I tried a common ground with the 5 vdc wires but that did not work. 

So, I am stuck.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  I am going to leave the same message in the electrical forum.  Thanks....

I’ll chime in one more time, my layout is near 20 years old, 80 percent Atlas O track, 12 Atlas 072 and the rest Ross Custom turnouts, 096-072 lefts and rights, and 2 #6’s, 2-#8s bad more. All curves, Atlas O pre-curved, Ross Pre-curved...No kinks. Atlas O switch motors, DZ1000 switch motors. All of my layout is Legacy controlled, ASC’s for all the turnouts, some throw 2 Switches at once...BPC’s for 20/40 blocks....And we use new Lionel ZW Controllers/180 Watt bricks fed through 2TPC400’s....Now that I have retired, we will finish the wiring and set up Route Control....My advice is to buy good track, to go with your Great engines...(my only issue with gargraves or ross is denting).  Happy Railroading.

All Atlas with Tortoise switches

I don't know if this was mentioned, but finding Atlas track can sometimes be a Hassel.  I called an Atlas supplier today I routinely use to find why my order hasn't shipped.  Their response was that not all my order was in stock!  One item they were not expecting until the middle of July.

All this to say Ross built in the USA and readily available.  Atlas built in China and regularly out of stock.  If I had it to do over I would go with Ross or Gargraves.  Gargraves is just up the road from Rochester NY where I live.  20/20 hind sight at this point.

I just want to pop in and thank you all for your comments. I will stick with Ross switches and track. I would consider Gargraves track, but I really want to use the Rossbed, and it is only made for Ross and Atlas track.

Many thanks again

My first layout was Gargraves track and Ross switches. No problems at all.

I later moved and built a new layout and by that time Atlas track was the hot new more realistic looking alternative so I went all in buying Atlas track with Atlas switches. No regrets at all regarding the switch to their track but the Atlas switches were a disaster. Jumper wires coming loose, pieces of rail coming off the switches, and switch machines breaking. They are just cheaply made. Ross' service during my first layout build was first rate too. I only switched so my layout would match, track and switches. What a mistake! I probably have one more move in me and one more layout build. No way I will use Atlas switches I own. 

I have all atlas track and switches on my layout, I personally really haven't had many problem with my layout. The switches which I have wired to an AIU sometimes do not throw like they should, or they throw slow at 18 volts, but that could be remedied by changing out the switch machines.

The only major problem I seem to be having is backing up the Lionel 8444 that came out a couple years ago, going backwards the pickup roller tends to drop in the area where the #5 switch splits between straight and curved, then it gets stuck and the wheels will spin, even with traction tires. That could possibly be remedied by changing the pickup roller to a little bit wider one to help with that, if I can find one.