Sectional vs cut-to-fit/flex

Haven't used Atlas yet but plan to on my next layout. I have had a similar issue with FasTrack and in a couple of places cut a single piece of FasTrack to fit a space rather than using multiple pieces of segmented track. Beyond being cheaper, I think it would be more reliable as there are fewer connections. Also fewer joints so less noise and I think it just looks better. The Atlas track looks like it would be pretty easy to cut down to size. 

There was a time I wouldn't have even considered cutting track. The more that gets done, the easier it gets. I absolutely would now buy 40" pieces and chop them to whatever I need. As for sectional track. Curves, absolutely. However, when I just want to go there flex track is hard to beat.

Gilly

With the Atlas track you would still need the '3 TIE SNAP-LOCK CLIPS' for the cut off ends. I too am using Atlas track and have purchased quite a bit of all sectional track (I personally like the sectional track better), but it would be interesting to see your planned layout and cost analysis between the two options. 

When I did N scale I used mostly Atlas sectional with a couple of flex pieces for a fit.  And I do plan on using the snap lock clips.  But once I get the cost analysis, I'll post it so as to share just what the difference would be.

sinclair

Atlas O 3 rail flex track is anything but flexible.  It is not at all like Atlas HO or N flex track.  While it may be useful in certain situations it would not recommend planning to make extensive use of it.  The "spike" detail on the ties tend to break at the ends of a section when you try and bend it so there is a lot of lost product.

For 3 rail flex track Gargraves and MTH ScaleTrax are the more user friendly options.

Actually, I wouldn't be using the flex track to make any curves, just for straights, so teh 40" sections would be what I get since it's a dollar less.

Sinclair,

I have over 900 feet of Atlas track on my layout, and cut over 140 sections to size per RR-Track. I used but a handful of flex track, and as has been pointed out above, it is not very flexible at all. I used Atlas regular 40" straights and cut the straight sections that needed cut from these. My dual main uses Ø108" and Ø99" curved sections, and I have a few Ø90" and Ø81" as well.

Related thread: Cutting Track

Good luck!

Alex

Atlas 6057 tie ends  (3 tie snap-lock clips already mentioned).  Atlas track is relatively expensive, I like to think, I used every piece that I purchased.


Tough to get Atlas flex track beyond this bend pictured.

The two O54 sectional curves, (center right of the cross) were cut to fit for this S-curve combination.  I've used a lot of the 6057 end ties on fabricated pieces from sectional stock, both straight and curved.  I use everything that was purchased.

Additional pictures.

Hidden under the road crossing is a very small piece of O54 to adjust track direction between the two crosses.

I had used the Atlas product on my last layout and as others have said it is not very flexible at all.  When I got done using it I felt like I needed to turn in my man card... 

All I know, is it doesn't make a very good sword either... but your layout looks awesome, MikeCT

I am continuing an evaluation as to how well the Atlas track holds up outdoors. I have several pieces that have been out in the elements for about two years now. To minimize connections, I am using 40" straight and flex only.

Trying to bend the flex by hand was an adventure in insanity. Bend it little, it goes right back. Bend it a little more...then a little more....and it was never ending.  The only thing I found that actually works is a RailBender from Norm's. The RailBender was easy to use - and works as advertized! It bent the track to a smooth arc without much effort at all. Bear in mind the curve is roughly a 15 ft radius.

FWIW - two years exposed to the elements has left the ties extremely brittle. The area is roughly 70% shaded in the summer. I attempted to re-bend one piece and it didn't fair well. But, of the flex pieces not re-bent, they have held their shape (arc) with no issues to date.

I'll admit that your layout has been one of the major reasons I changed from FasTrack to Atlas for my layout plan.  I know Atlas is on the pricey side, but it has the solid rails and a look that I really enjoy.

Haven't done piece by piece comparisons, but I don't think Atlas is any more than Fastrack? May look into this someday. I started out wanting to use Fastrack as well and I remember thinking at the time that it was pricey too. I still really like Fastrack and may do a temporary layout with it someday. It was the noise difference that really got me to change my mind and go with Atlas track and it's solid rails.

Sounds like we have travelled down similar paths on the track selection route!

It really depends where you get it.  I've seen some places really discount FasTrack, but Atlas track doesn't have much if any.  Also, if you add the price of a roadbed in to the Atlas track, then it does cost more than FasTrack since FasTrack has it built in.

FWIW

I did not use any of the snap lock clips on the cut off ends. If the ties at the joints looked too far apart, I just used one of the ties from the cutoff sections. I did screw the tracks down, skipping every two holes or so. Looks good and works well.

Alex

Okay, I finished the rough cost analysis and was rather surprised.  Going with the 40 inch section cut to fit, I'll be saving about $75.  Now, this is going off of cutting each piece once, maybe twice.  Not the most efficient way to do it, but the way I'd be able and willing to do.  Find attached 3 images, one of the spread sheet, and two of the layout, one from SCARM and the other from SolidWorks.  I figured I'd need to use about 24 40 inch sections to replace most of the 10 inch and smaller sections.  I still used some 1.75 and 1.25 because it'd be crazy trying to cut ones that small for me.  It is not an exact calculation, just me visually looking at the screen and counting in my head, so I may of over or under counted.

So is it worth it?  I would say yes for me as I'd like the look better without all the breaks in rails from the sectional track.

Thanks for posting your results. Not much of a savings considering the amount of track you have in your layout (lots more than I have in my present layout). I probably wouldn't have saved near that much.  I already have most of my track, just need a few more switches and maybe another piece or two.  Got some good deals from forum members on some of my track, most was new and that was a big savings.

I was looking at some Atlas HO track and switches at my LHS the other day and what a price difference there was. I would never switch scales, O is the only one for me, but you sure could buy a LOT more track with the same money!  

I use Atlas flex exclusively.  I find it very easy to work with.

My min curves are greater then O81 and typically more like O100+.