Debating the switch from fastrack to Atlas / Ross and looking for layout advice

I can't help you on the Fastrack conversion matter, as I've never used it.  As for easing curves, you will need a section of flex track to execute the easement.  The most direct and practical way to implement the easement is using the wood-strip method outlined in the classic John Armstrong book, Track Planning for Realistic Operation.  John's easement parameter table is based on an approximate 18° easement sector, which doesn't correspond to anyone's sectional track.  I have re-derived the table for the sectors of modern sectional track, based on 22.5° (16 sections per circle), 30° (12 sections per circle) and 45° (8 sections per circle) segmentation.  If you want to go down this path, I can send you the complete write-up with parameter tables.

Picture shows my 12’-by-8’ layout completed in 2004. The outer oval is Atlas O-72 with a switch inserted on the 8-foot side. In my experience, the Atlas O track and switches have been entirely satisfactory and I’ve replaced one section of curved track during the entire time. The 40-inch straight tracks across the truss bridges are rigid and the total length of the straights along the 12-foot sides of the table on the outer oval is five feet. I don’t see how you will be able to use a radius larger than O-72 to ease into curves because it will make the length of straight track along the 12-foot side of the table less than five feet – too short in my opinion. A five-foot straight and an O-72 circle will occupy more than eleven feet in length so you won’t have much space to use a radius larger than O-72 to ease into the curves. Is it worth it to buy all that track and switches to keep in place for one year? Just my thinking on what you’re trying to do.

MELGAR

Not an expert on track, just what I am learning as I lay it, but I would agree, I think you will find 090 on a 8' wide layout is going to not allow for easement (note, I don't use easements on mine, prob find out of course I should have!). 080 or even 072 with an easement will work better I suspect.

One thing I highly recommend from what I have found, even though it isn't perfect, using design software can give you a lot of the answers you need in terms of what to use, lot easier to graphically build your table and then try out track and see what happens.  I am in the track laying and for things like you are asking, design software is worth the learning curve (no pun intented).

I went from Fastrack to Gargraves/Ross, and I never looked back.  I used Gargraves Flex for a majority of the track, and I also threw in some Ross O72 curves where they were more convenient and easier.  I have all Ross switches.  I like the look of Gargraves/Ross as the two brands mix well aesthetically.  Atlas track has smaller ties and the difference between it and the Ross switches really stands out.

Thanks all for bringing me back down to earth in terms of what can be accomplished. I'll be sticking with fastrack for now, and adding an O-84 loop with some inner loops / mini-yard to hopefully give the S1 the breathing room it so desperately wants (and a slightly larger curve to make the articulated engines.... articulate less). I've been experimenting with the best ways to fit storage for engines / cars in, so as much fun as it would be to dump a grand or more in new track and switches, going to have to hold off for now. Thanks for the wisdom all!