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Reply to "Atlas versus Gargraves and RCS - Is Atlas worth the +30% price difference? Track Plans in SCARM files attached"

Trying to figure out how to add to the discussion. We all have personal preferences and likes and dislikes, you will have to establish your own. Track and switches tend to be an investment people start with and stick with.  Me, I did not do that and continue to look for a favorite.  I am building a new layout using Ross track and switches, Gargraves flex and Atlas track and switches and flex.  My comments are directed at 3Rail systems. 

How have my preferences changed?  I started with Lionel 027, never did like the larger profile O track. After running found I did not like the look nor operation of the track and switches. Sold those and bought Gargraves new and used. That worked OK until I decided to expand the layout and bought used Atlas and Ross track and switches (taking advice from this forum). Sold off all my Gargraves switches - nothing really wrong with them, but I preferred to have my switches match the track. I have had no issues with either Ross or Atlas switches. I see no need for anti-derailing switch wiring and view it as a residual necessity of the old Lionel style solenoid switches. The Atlas switch machines have adjustable point spring pressure eliminating the need for the wiring. The DZ1000 and DZ2500 machines have springs which provide a bit of point flex, but can cause derailments for lighter cars.  I found both switch machines to reliably fully close the points about 80 to 90 percent of the time. That means 1 out of 10 switching maneuvers results in a derailment and the resulting arcs and sparks. I am installing Tortoise machines to see if they are bullet proof both for applied point pressure and full point throw.  Of course the manual Caboose Industries throws work reliably as well.

There are differences (pros and cons) between solid rail and tubular, but given the distribution of supporters of both, it suggests both are reliable for layouts particularly for High Rail 3 rail modelers.  Should you ever decide to like the look of fixed pilots on your diesels and get your hands on a 2R/3R MTH diesel with scale wheels, you may find the flatter profile of the solid track performs better. I have a couple of scale wheel 3R engines which do not like to run on either Ross or Gargraves track nor switches. Could be a result of my less than perfect track laying, but the deeper flanges of high rail is one reason to model in it - just more forgiving than scale wheels. One reason I am using both Ross and Atlas on the new layout is to see which works better for me.   Hope this helps.

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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