Atlas Model Trains - Tips on Optimizing your Atlas Track Layouts



Posted: Thursday, December 24, 2009

by Jimmy Hardwick
Model Train Mastery

Atlas model trains manufactures models in the HO, N, and O scales. Atlas prides itself on being a family owned company. The company was incorporated in 1949 in New Jersey where it is still located today (2009). The founder, Stephan Schaffan, Jr., had only one child, Diane, who is president of the company today. Her husband, Tom Haedrich, is the current CEO and handles the daily operations of the firm.

Atlas claims to be the worldwide leader in track manufacturing. They are world famous for their Snap-Track, Super-Flex Track, and Custom-Line turnouts.

Two products they carry for the HO scale are HO Code 83 and HO Code 100 track. The code of the track signifies the height of the rail in thousands of an inch. Code 83 rail is .083" high, and code 100 is .100" high.

Most discriminating modelers choose the Code 83 track. It is closer to the actual prototype, which in turns causes it to appear more realistic in a layout. Code 83 has fine brown ties in lieu of the black thicker ties of the Code 100 track.

True-Track is another Atlas roadbed track product designed for the HO scale trains. It consists of a Code 83 track section, which is snapped into a gray roadbed base. This is an easy to assemble track choice because it does not have to be secured to any surface.

True-Track is a popular choice among modelers because the track can be removed from the roadbed and used by itself. This allows flexibility in your setup in case you decide to ballast your own track after you have progressed into the hobby.

For the N scale trains, Atlas offers N True-Track, Code 55, and Code 80. Code 80 comes with black ties and silver rail. Code 55 comes with brown ties and has a lower rail profile than the Code 80.

Atlas sells layout instruction books that have 40+ different railroad layout designs. This makes it very easy for the beginner to get started with their layout quickly.

If your setup is for the HO train scale, the number of Code 83 or 100 track sections you will need to form a complete circle is as follows:

For the N scale, Code 55 track, the number of track sections for a circle is as follows:

For the N scale, Code 80 track, the number of sections for a complete circle is:

If you have any questions about Atlas model trains, you can get additional information and assistance at their forum located at http://forum.atlasrr.com/. Happy railroading!

Jimmy Hardwick has been full steam ahead on model trains ever since his first Lionel set 30 years ago. Check out his website at http://www.modeltrainmastery.com for more info on atlas model trains, and many other great tips on model railroading.

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