No Atlas O 2 rail track in 2014

You could use a little Sectional Healing.

Sorry CatNap, but I'm not that Flexible.

Bad Order  (You look exactly like my nephew Greg!)

The 1 thing that keeps me from jumping into O-scale with both feet is the cost of a single turnout.  

Yes, I could probably try and build my own but I love running outdoors (had G-scale for years) I need UV resistant ties...Atlas & Peco are the 2 that I know of.  ME said they are not.

-Mark

I thought the cost of Atlas 2 rail switches was very affordable and less then 3 rail switches of the sasame size and #??

You can probably get red cedar ties from Kappler,

Thanks all for the replies & information.  I will definitely look into Gargraves and will devour the elephant ...one purchase at a time

Mark

I wonder if scale concrete ties would work better under the hot conditions? Nice Joshua trees, Hal!

John,

Very nice!  Thanks for sharing.  Certainly no reason why one can't use a combination of both hand laid track and flex track.

I'd really like to learn more about laying my own track and building my own turnouts. Are there templates for turnouts? Any good threads on this topic? Where and what to buy etc. Any help or a point in the right direction is greatly appreciated.

Marc

Atlas O sectional track is outstanding stuff, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it (and I have used it extensively), especially on a turnaround curve where the look of the track isn't as important. As far as transition curves are concerned, mixing different radius curve sections will do a serviceable job. In particular, using a 40.5 radius curve on either end of an otherwise 36" radius turnback curve will allow any Atlas 6 axle diesel to run reliably on 36" curves, even when two engines are coupled back to back.

Jeff C

HEY JEFF,

I know you know this, but please allow my retort:

With Flex Track, you can start with a fixed radius and go through an infinite change of radii until you merge into a Tangent track, with no intermediate steps!

You can advance from a "serviceable job" to a really smooth transition!  Even where it isn't noticeable, why not do a perfect job while you're at it?

This is how track is laid in real railroads, using specialized plane geometry which includes Versed Sines and CoSecants.

BAD ORDER

HEY ALAN,

Thanks for the compliment, but here's a better specimen in our front yard...I has been estimated to be about 500 years old. 

Joshua Trees are protected by Law in the High Desert, and if one had to be transplanted, it must be set in the same orientation as from its original growth history.

BAD ORDER

No problem, Hal. I like flex track. I am, however, a complete lazybones, and I've had a few health problems in the last few years that conspire to make things like track laying difficult. Because of those factors, sectional track is perfect for me, and it can use my limited stamina and patience for other projects, such as building turnouts, or attempting to scratch build trolley equipment.

My On30 is Kato unitrack, and it works ok, although voltage drop can be a problem (something that doesn't seem to be the problem with Atlas O sectional track).

Jeff C

Sounds good, Jeff...life is good!

Bad Order

I would suggest you begin with the Detailing Track book by Mike Cougill.  It is a very well written and informative look at the process of handlaying track and a switch, plus incorporating so many of the details that really make our trackwork pop if you decide to use them.  Now Mike is a P48 guy but that doesn't change anything about the process or steps if you will.  Also you can go to the Fasttracks website as they have downloadable and printable templates, they are pretty good and free.  Also Fasttracks has jigs that you can order, they are usually made to order I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong) but they are pricey.  And they have a ton of other things for hand laying. 

      You can make your own ties or order them from Kappler.  I have hand layed 90% of the track on my layout and over 20 switches ranging from #5 to #10's.  I have purchased all of my rail, tie plates, joint bars, frogs, points, spikes, throw bars and guard rails from Lou Cross at Right O' Way.  Lou does not have a website, he deals over the phone and is a stand up guy...one of the best folks to talk with and his products are top shelf in my book.  This by no means is everything out there but hopefully it will answer some of your questions and get you started.   You could watch my videos that I have done on handlaying if you like, that may help as well.

Beware of "Detailing Track".  It will give you an entirely different way of thinking about "track as a model" and make it something you care about rather than just a means to an end.  It is a great read.

If you download and print out the FastTracks templates as directed note they are 4'8.5" gauge.

Contacted GarGraves...

Q- Just getting into the hobby.  I was pointed in your direction regarding running O-scale outdoors.  Are the  GarGraves O-scale 2 rail track (ties & turnouts) UV resistant?

A- We only make 2-Rail O Gauge in 37" flex track with wood ties and would not recommend it for outdoor use.  I would suggest Atlas O 2 Rail track.

-Mark

Ummm, well I thought their Stainless track would hold up, ties and all...

I would have thought so as well....surprising.

After building a 136-foot indoor O-Scale 2-Rail layout, using Atlas Flex Track exclusively, and if I were to plan a new layout or expand my existing layout and found that Atlas O Flex Track was no longer available, I would cancel my plans.

BAD ORDER

Mathom,

Try this site for ideas about O gauge, trains, tracks and operations outside. This guy has been doing this for years and although he lives in an arid/desert climate the info is helpful.

O Gauge Outside

I've heard this a few times now and it sticks in my mind. I'm looking at the latest OST with some pictures of L&N consists. The track adds to the realism of the shots, taking it to the next level. I hope I can capture that in my next layout.

I'll tell ya Joe it really does take it to an entirely different level.  The track is a model and as such when detailed and weathered it really comes to life.  I couldn't be happier with it.

Giving up is an option for some...but not one that I can accept. 

I can accept failure but I can't accept not trying.  Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.

ABSOLUTELY!

Giving up is an option I heartily endorse, and I'm thankful for the choice!

BAD ORDER HAL

That's a shame Hal...

Yeah...ain't it though, Chris? 

HA HA HA!

Just saw a bunch of used O scale flex on Ebay. 

phill

OH NO.....

That means PayPal, doesn't it?

bad order

Not necessarily.  You can always contact the buyer and ask about alternate means of payment.

Yeah many times a seller will take a check or money order...I would message them and ask if so inclined.

Hey guys...its not ME who needs the Atlas O Flex Track.  My layout is finished! 

My supplier is PDT, and Beth ships me what I need.

Bad Order