I'm getting ready to take the plunge and purchase trackage after finally deciding on a layout plan. Initially, I was going with Atlas but what is your opinion of Scaletrax?
Thanks!
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Excellent, EXCELLENT choice -- especially if you're starting at Square 1. And now that MTH has come through with new production of #4 and #6 turnouts, there's no "supply issues" among dealers when designing some really wonderful layouts. It's the most realistic-looking O-scale track system out there (IMHO), and the thin profile center rail is the closest thing to Super-O track from the 1960's... but brought into modern-day layout designs with broad-curve radii for today's larger scale equipment. Some detractors will argue that it doesn't have a broad selection of exotic trackwork pieces (i.e., curved turnouts, #8+ regular turnouts, 3-way and 4-way turnouts, etc...). But I've found I was EASILY able to convert a popular Lionel "Layout for the Years" trackplan as the basis for my new ScaleTrax layout currently in the planning stages (seriously talking with Dunham Studio's to produce it).
For some truly inspirational ScaleTrax layouts, check out Rich Battista's Black Diamond RR on DVD's and Bluray at toytrainsontracks.com, and check out youtube for videos of the Northwest Trunk Lines by the Hikel Brothers, who post here on the forum from time to time.
Best of luck!
David
I have a Scaletrax layout. I purchased my stuff when switches were cheap $35-$40. I was impressed with the Battista videos which also swayed me.
If I had it to do over again I would NOT choose Scaletrax. I would use Ross switches with Gargraves track. I might also go with Atlas. Both have good availability and selection.
Scaletrax can be challenging to assemble and it's easy to break the ties. The brass connections can be finicky and troublesome. Not all pieces mate perfect. While the new switches are supposed to be re-engineered, not sure how you are supposed to tell the difference when buying online... Because chances are you won't find them in your local hobby shop.
Since there is little cost benefit based on today's prices, there is no question I would choose something else.
Good Luck.
Ron
RGS455-
i am in nearly the same boat as you except I already went ahead and purchased the scaletrax. I love the look of the track and working with it has been pretty easy.
When i was I looking at the same question I ended up applying this logic:
if i want to use the absolute best switches out there then I go with Ross and use gargraves to match the look of the rail profile and ties of the switches.
Or if I want to use something that has a very realistic rail profile, and I am willing to deal with or accept any potential challenges associated with not using Ross, then go with Scaletrax.
If you buy any #4 or #6 switches new, then they are the new units and I have received a few of them. They are beautiful and have been vastly improved over the first generation. There was a forum post about the improvement to the switches that had great details. Be sure to look at it if you haven't already.
Ross and Gargraves. Ross was made to connect with Gargraves and those trains go through them like butter. Steve will take care of you if you give him a call. Gargraves has super flexibility and also gives you the most bang for your buck. Just my opinion...
I don't like the tie spacing, so I went with Atlas.
I probably have the first generation Scaletraz It looks right but is flimsy plastic and I hate the nonconforming connection .I don't like the appearance of anything else so I have built stuff rather than lay track ,hoping for something else
I built a layout 5 yrs ago and used all Atlas track and switches. The switches have been big disappointment. I've replaced every switch engine at least once. Several I just stopped replacing. Since that time I purchased five 072 scaletrax switches and they have worked flawlessly.
The Atlas track will last a lifetime, but flex track is VERY hard to work with. I wanted to soldier joints, but Atlas is pretty difficult to soldier. After 5 years some the joiners have loosened, this really plays havoc with DCS.
I added to the layout using scaletrax. I found it very easy to soldier and the flex track was easy work with. In 2 yrs I plan to retire and start over, if scaletrax is still available, I plan to use it.
I am looking to do just a Christmas layout for now and am looking as Scaletrax, Realtrax, Atlas, and Micro Engineering. I really only need 2 rails as I will be doing 2 rail DC and/or battery. I intend to ignore the middle rail or pull it up. I hope you all do not mind the hijack.
1) Is Realtrax really as loud as I have read? If so, can the sound be deadened?
2) Is the middle rail in Scale- and Realtrax able to be ignored? Are the two outer rails connected as in the original 3 rail O27 and O track? Or are they separated electrically?
3) Unlike a lot of folks, for some reason I actually like the ties on Scaletrax (I think they look kind of narrow gauge-ish), but are they UV resistant for use on my eventual outdoor layout? It would be nice to have the same track inside and out, but it is not absolutely necessary.
4) Should I just use Atlas or Micro Engineering (or Gargraves) from the get go anyway? I do not mind used and really want as inexpensive as possible.
hlfritz posted:I am looking to do just a Christmas layout for now and am looking as Scaletrax, Realtrax, Atlas, and Micro Engineering. I really only need 2 rails as I will be doing 2 rail DC and/or battery. I intend to ignore the middle rail or pull it up. I hope you all do not mind the hijack.
1) Is Realtrax really as loud as I have read? If so, can the sound be deadened?
2) Is the middle rail in Scale- and Realtrax able to be ignored? Are the two outer rails connected as in the original 3 rail O27 and O track? Or are they separated electrically?
3) Unlike a lot of folks, for some reason I actually like the ties on Scaletrax (I think they look kind of narrow gauge-ish), but are they UV resistant for use on my eventual outdoor layout? It would be nice to have the same track inside and out, but it is not absolutely necessary.
4) Should I just use Atlas or Micro Engineering (or Gargraves) from the get go anyway? I do not mind used and really want as inexpensive as possible.
Helmut,
Are you putting this on a carpeted floor? You will kick yourself if you use scaletrax. I know Lionel Fastrack may not look "authentic" but it is hands down the most reliable track to use on a carpeted floor. My Scaletrax ties snap and break now in my basement. I can't imagine how brittle they will become with one season of hot and cold temperatures for outside use.
If you are not on the carpeted floor and using a hard base, Frankly, I would just buy 2 rail track.
Have Fun! Ron
Ron,
no carpeted floor, linoleum. at least for inside. i will start a new thread so I do not pollute Bob's thread further with this drivel.
but if there are any more opinions on Scaletrax let's please hear them. for permanent indoor or temporary indoor.
rgs455 posted:I'm getting ready to take the plunge and purchase trackage after finally deciding on a layout plan. Initially, I was going with Atlas but what is your opinion of Scaletrax?
Thanks!
We didn't know anything about trackage before starting our first layout a few years ago so we bought a few sections each of Atlas O, Scaletrax, GG and Ross to compare and test before deciding.
Durability - Atlas O won hands down.
Sound transfer - both Atlas O and Scaletrax won, with the other two making more noise as trains rolled over them. GG and Ross also have a hollow echo-ee sound due to hollow rails. Plus, click, click, click over every track connection, whereas, Atlas O was smoothest.
Electrical connectivity - neutral. They were all fine. I thought the rail connectors on Ross and GG have a design that might be a better electrical conductor than an Atlas connector, but then I've heard many folks say they are not any better. Similarly, I thought the copper pressure connections on Scaletrax would be ideal, but again, I've heard folks say they have their issues too. In almost 5 years of operation we've had zero issues with connections on Atlas O.
Aesthetics - the point most folks here argue every time this question is discussed here. We liked the thin profile of Scaletrax but they are flimsy. And realistic? Well, maybe for a branch line. Ties are not realistically spaced for your typical main line. Ross and GG seemed toyish to us, with the oversized wooden blackish ties and steel roundish rails. Plus, didn't want to tempt providence as we live in the humid Northeast and were concerned about possible real rust (although I don't hear many folks complaining that GG rusts). We decided to go with Atlas.
Peter
Peter,
that is some good input! any reason you did not consider realtrax or fastrack?
hlfritz posted:
3) Unlike a lot of folks, for some reason I actually like the ties on Scaletrax (I think they look kind of narrow gauge-ish), but are they UV resistant for use on my eventual outdoor layout? It would be nice to have the same track inside and out, but it is not absolutely necessary.
4) Should I just use Atlas or Micro Engineering (or Gargraves) from the get go anyway? I do not mind used and really want as inexpensive as possible.
Hifritz,
Atlas track with its UV ties is a proven product for outdoor use. The G&O garden railroad has used it for 6 years with only a few problems.
See the G&O Story at this link: https://ogrforum.com/t.../the-gandamp-o-story
I recommend that you purchase two rail track from the outset if that is what you are going to use. It would be a waste of time and money to try to convert 3-rail to 2-rail track. Also, removing the 3rd rail from new Atlas track is not that easy and it would leave a mark down the middle where the 3rd rail is located.
NH Joe
Helmut,
Realtrax & Fastrack are in a class of their own. Both good systems but no attempt to be realistic. Tend to be loud. GG/Ross, Atlas, and Scaletrax are better-looking with each having its fans and detractors. None of them are 'perfect' but each looks good in its own right. Personally, I prefer Scaletrax due to the lower profile and thin center blade which makes my scale equipment appear more massive. GG/Ross are far too large to look 'correct' with our O gauge trains. Scaletrax is not particularly 'flimsy' but should mostly be used in a permanent situation.
Realtrax & Fastrack are better choices for a floor Christmas layout as is traditional 'Tubular' track. All are good - just pick one!
Sam,
you know it! i am trying to avoid analysis paralysis! i do have enough O27 to just do something and it may well be with that, although I would have to modify it to run the 2 rail DC loco I have (or mod the loco to BPRC).
Gargraves track and Ross turnouts are available in 2 rail
I had the same question back in August 2015 when I started my 25 x 12 layout. I wanted Scaletrax due to the look but was talked into going with Atlas. Now do not misunderstand what I am about to say. "ATLAS TRACK SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE UNAVAILABLE". Why do I say this? My initial purchase they had track. When I went back I kept hearing out of production should be in a week or two. Months later they were in production again. I ask Atlas about this at York in March 2016. Their answer was"We don't have any production problems. Everything is available." 2 months later I had a switch go south and no it was not the motor, but the switch itself. I went to my dealer. NO ATLAS AVAILABLE! To my Dealers credit he tried within a 150 mile radius. Nothing. I ended up call Legacy Station in Atlanta GA to get their LAST O72 Left switch . Had to pay shipping on top of switch cost to NJ. Now to make things worse I talked to atlas only to hear the same line" We have no problems . Production is in full swing. A month later Dealers had them in stock. On a side note MY DEALER CALLED ME YESTERDAY AND ASK IF I HAD ANY ATLAS 10" STRAIGHT SECTIONS. Reason - Atlas out of track again. When I was in HO all I used was Atlas. Loved them. In O - not so much! Before jumping into ANY track check with Dealers to see if they run out of track and have availability problems getting restocked! Please note this is just my experience. Now as I have two loops with Realtrack still on the layout and am thinking of ripping them up and replacing, I am again pondering about which track. I love the look of Atlas and Scaletrax but am queasy about going with Atlas so might try Scaletrax, especially since they have made improvements. I purchased a MTH Club car that had Scaletrax straight sections on it and was very impressed with the track. But I did note that the selection of track configurations is limited more that Atlas or Scaletrax.
Just re read my last sentence after pressing reply. DUH! Should read "But I did note that the selection of track configurations is limited more with Scaletrax than it is with Atlas. Atlas have a bigger selection."
Sorry for the mistake.
Interesting, and thanks. I have still not decided on what yo use outdoors, but for indoors I am using MTH Realtrax. works well enough for me, and I have been able to find enough old stock or used solid rail stuff.
For outdoors I am not sure I can use Scaletrax. So it is probably Atlas or lay my own.
