Another track system or did I just miss this?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Was on Atlas’s site and saw their upcoming built-in roadbed track system.

Looks a lot like Fastrack, no? Or is it Fastrack being used as a stand in?

http://www.atlaso.com/IR/irtrack.htm

Mike S.

2

No, it’s Atlas O track in a roadbed. Apparently Atlas is coming out with a full lineup of track, switches, etc. What got my attention is the new 80W transformer. 0-18VAC track power, 7-16VAC accessory power, bell/whistle/direction buttons, and all at an MSRP of $80!!!.

3

The roadbed looks like FastTrack but the rails will be more like Gargraves/Ross, T-shaped. The connectors look more like the ones used under the standard Atlas track, probably to ensure physical compatibilty.

4

This is not Fastrack, you can tell by looking at how the rails join together; here’s Atlas’

Here’s Lionel’s Fastrack

5

I’m looking forward to giving that new Atlas track a try, since I’ve been happy with the track they long have offered in N and HO, and am using their O gauge track on my current layout.

I’m also very interested in that new transformer, so will purchase one of the starter sets just as soon as they are available.

6

There is an adapter to attach to fastrack…I didn’t see any for Real Trax or Gargraves. I think it’s obvious whose business they’re going after.

Kurt

7

Wouldn’t surprise me if the same company that makes fastrack is producing the atlas. Same lengths as fastrack and 036 curves with a transision section to mate with fastrack. Tie spacing must be different. Fastrack 24 ties per 10"straight to 22 for the atlas.

8

It would have been nice to see the electrical connectors as well as the phsical ones. I also note the center rail is not blackened.

9

Conventional wisdom might dictate that there’s already too many track types out there… But I think this Hobby has a way of getting around all logic… The last time I bought track it was bulk Lionel O-27 4 boxes of straight and 4 curve… It cost me $50 a box… or 50 cents per track… I shudder to think of replacement costs with any new system.

Anyway, I look to this new track and see profit… yer all gonna need trestles and bridges[;)]