Replacing Fastrack with Atlas

You wont regret it. Made the change months ago.  As for the turnouts. You could always use a transition track leading in and from the Fast Track turnouts.

Atlas switches need a momentary contact to operate as they are twin coil switch machines. I don't know what an SC2 will output, but I would imagine it would do a momentary contact? A maintained contact will burn up the Atlas switch machines in short order. I use Atlas track and switches and have been very happy with their track system. The solid rails are quiet too. I am just using the Atlas #56 switch controllers that were included with the switches, but plan to add an MTH AIU to operate them someday.

suzukovich posted:

You wont regret it. Made the change months ago.  As for the turnouts. You could always use a transition track leading in and from the Fast Track turnouts.

I have the latest Atlas catalog and they have all the track I need. This is a distant project. Right now I'm about to add a 3x5 extension or maybe a 4x5 depending on space. When I change the track, I'll be rebuilding the entire layout and I'm not ready to do that right now.

Denny:

I did the same thing - replaced Fastrack with Atlas O track and turnouts but ended up going to Ross as I needed new track and turnouts. The Z-Stuff DZ1000 switch motor in my opinion is more robust than the Atlas O switch motor from a burnout aspect. If you decide to stay with Atlas O turnouts then to avoid motor burnout, replace the switch control that comes with the turnout with a SPDT momentary toggle switch. Atlas O has recalled all their #57 dulux switch controls for sticking issues and I found out through experience the ?56? that comes with the turnout also was somewhat prone to sticking thus burning out switch motors.

Also while there are lot of ways of controlling the waveform (power) to the turnout switch motor (see Gunrunner John) as a minimum use a diode in series with the power line to the motor. While this will not prevent burnout it will cut the waveform in half and let the motor run cooler. Also to be fair to Atlas O they do sell a microelectronic circuit board that prevents burnout. 

The one you are going to miss is the Fastrack turnout reliability. They are virtually bulletproof.

Joe

I am replacing my Real Trax with Atlas O. The Atlas looks so much better and has consistent geometry. Everything, including the different curves result in 4.5" track spacing. I bought their double track through plate girder bridge. It's all metal, except the plastic ties; very impressive.  I also prefer the # turnouts to O turnouts, although I have no experience with them. They just look better.

I have helped several people make this change.... If you need a deal on the track, I can send you a list of Atlas O products, you can fill in what you need, and I will provide a custom quote including shipping. Just email me at mrmuffin (at) mrmuffinstrains.org

Thanks Mr. Muffin,

I have a 2016 Atlas catalog and I saw what Atlas has available which is why I am thinking about switching. This will happen when I do a full tear down of my layout and rebuild the whole thing. It's going to be a winter project. Not sure if it will be this winter, but winter for sure.