From Atlas:

Atlas is proud to offer the newest version of its downloadable track planning software for your use in creating magnificent layouts in HO, N & O scales using Atlas track. This software allows you to create and customize your very own layout, view it as a 3D model and then generate a shopping list to make your dream layout a reality.

New Features in ATPS 2.0:

• Create precise transition curves/easements
  
• Build complex helices in just a few steps
  
• Automatically create parallel track routes
  
• Faster, smarter flex-track connections
• A dramatically faster 2D editor, modern Windows interface, improved 3D performance, better high-resolution display support, and improved handling of large layouts.

Features:

• Select pieces from Atlas’ 9 track lines and build your dream layout with ease
• Model flex-track routes in an easy, intuitive and realistic way
• Arrange your layout on multiple levels with different heights and grades
• Easily draw figures to create train stations, houses, industries, roads and infrastructure
• Measure distances and track section lengths
• View and print a list of the Atlas track pieces you need to begin building your layout
• Layout libraries will be available with future library updates
• And much, much more! (For a complete list of features, click here)

How much does it cost?

Atlas Track Planning Software 2.0 retails for $54.95

Customers who purchased ATPS before January 1st , 2026 will be able to upgrade to a new license at the discounted price of $29.95 — Save $25

Customers who purchased ATPS 1 during 2026 will receive this upgrade for free.

(Note: Licenses purchased for ATPS 1 in 2026 will work also for ATPS 2. However, ATPS 1 needs to be upgraded to ATPS 2 on the same PC, where ATPS 1 was activated and used. If that PC is broken, lost or not operational, please contact Atlas for a reset of the license)

Important: Every licensed user of ATPS 1.x.x will be able to continue to use ever ATPS 1.x.x version as long as they wish. The upgrades for these users are voluntary, not mandatory.

The users of the last demo version ATPS 1.9.10 will be required to upgrade to ATPS 2 after 30 Sep 2026 or to pay for a license. They have a choice to:

1. Continue to use ATPS 2 in demo mode;
2. Pay for a new license for ATPS 2
3. Pay for a new license and register the old ATPS 1.x.x.

Purchase the Software License

Purchase an Upgrade License (Users who Purchased ATPS 1.0 before January 2026)

Purchase Layout Files for Use in ATPS

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Recommended Test Track By Good Deals DCC

Good Deals DCC sells many products but the author invested in one of their test tracks several years ago. He purchased their TT-1 which is a portable HO track. See figure 1.

Figure 1 Good Deals DCC TT-1

It has nice features:

• Non-marring padded feet
• Made of non-warping PVC
• Equipped with a rerailer
• End posts have soft pads to protect the locomotive being tested/programmed

The reason for this article is that, as sold, it comes with hex nuts to secure wiring and the author needed a more easy tightening and loosening capability. So he contacted the owner and found out they are 8-32 nuts. A quick trip to the local Lowe's provided 8-32 wing nuts, problem solved. See figure 2.

Figure 2 Nuts replaced with wing nuts

One other device they offer that the author purchased for the club he belongs to is the TT-10 shown in figure 3.

Figure 3 The TT-10

This is a double test track of both HO and N. It will come in handy not only at train shows but also estate sales and swap meets. Due to some lack of space because of the four posts the wing nuts were placed at the outside posts and everything was fine. They are also 8-32 posts. See figure 4.

Figure 4 TT-10 wing nuts secured to outside posts

In addition to the test track they have a plethora of other products and the owner said that he was ready to release several new products as of this writing.

So if you are thinking about purchasing a test track or even building your own, take a look at these. They are well worth it.

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Sountraxx PTB-100 Discontinued

The author is probably a little late with this but Soundtraxx has discontinued the signal amplifier PTB-100. There have been rumors of this having happened but he called Soundtraxx and they confirmed that it has been discontinued.

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New TCS Throttle Update Version 3.10

Trai COntrol Systems has issued a firmware update v3.10 for both the WT-100 nd the UWT-50. This is a recommended update.

The firmware download is located here.

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Excellent Article on BLI Stealth With ESU or Soundtraxx

BLI Stealth Equipped Big Boy 4014

Tony's Train Exchange has published an article on the Broadway Limited Stealth Locomotives and using both ESU or Soundtraxx decoders. It covers options and discusses what you get with Stealth.

It also discusses installing an ESU decoder in a N scale BLI Stealth locomotive along with other topics. It is worth the read, especially if you want to know about BLI's Stealth, and is located here.

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If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it.