Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track Starter Set – 38" x 56" Oval with Passing Siding – ATL488

Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track Starter Set – ATL488 provides the track and components needed to build a 38" x 56" HO scale oval with a passing siding. Designed to be easy to assemble and expand, the set uses Atlas Code 83 True-Track with integrated gray graveled roadbed for a finished, realistic track appearance without requiring separate roadbed for basic setup.

This is a track starter set, not a complete train set. A locomotive, rolling stock and power pack are sold separately.

Build a 38" x 56" Oval with Passing Siding

ATL488 provides a complete starting track arrangement rather than simply a basic circle. The included left- and right-hand manual turnouts create a passing siding, allowing the layout to have two parallel routes over part of the oval.

The finished track arrangement measures approximately 38" x 56", making it a practical introduction to HO scale model railroading while still providing more operational interest than a simple oval.

What's Included?

According to Atlas, the HO True-Track Starter Set includes:

• 2 × 9" Straight Track Sections
• 16 × 18" Radius Curved Track Sections
• 1 × Left Manual Turnout
• 1 × Right Manual Turnout
• 1 Pair Terminal Joiners
• Complete assembly instructions

Train and power pack are not included and are sold separately.

Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track

Atlas True-Track combines Code 83 nickel silver track with an integrated gray graveled roadbed. The molded roadbed features correctly angled shoulders and is designed to resemble prototype railroad track installed over ballast.

Because the roadbed is already incorporated into each track section, True-Track provides a convenient way to assemble an HO railroad with a more finished appearance immediately after setup.

Integrated Gray Graveled Roadbed

The integrated roadbed is the major difference between True-Track and conventional Atlas Code 83 sectional track. Instead of placing track directly on the layout surface or installing separate roadbed beneath it, the track and roadbed function together as a single sectional-track system.

This makes True-Track especially useful for:

• First HO scale layouts
• Beginner model railroaders
• Temporary layouts
• Layouts that may need to be disassembled or rearranged
• Quick tabletop track setups
• Modelers who want an integrated roadbed track system

18" Radius Curves

The starter layout uses 18" radius curved track, allowing Atlas to fit the oval and passing siding into the approximately 38" x 56" footprint.

An 18" radius is common on compact HO layouts, but locomotive and rolling-stock minimum-radius requirements vary. Always check the manufacturer's recommended minimum radius for the equipment you plan to operate.

Manual Left & Right Turnouts

The included left- and right-hand manual turnouts create the passing siding and introduce switching operation to the starter layout. Rather than operating only around a continuous oval, trains can be routed through the siding using the two turnouts.

This also gives a beginner an introduction to how turnouts are used to create multiple routes on a model railroad.

Terminal Joiners for Track Power

A pair of terminal joiners is included to provide an electrical connection between the track and a compatible power supply. This allows the track system to be connected to the power source needed to operate the railroad.

A power pack is not included with ATL488 and must be purchased separately.

Easy to Expand

The starter set is designed as a beginning rather than a permanently fixed track plan. Additional Atlas HO True-Track sections, turnouts, crossings and accessories can be added as the railroad grows.

The passing siding can become the starting point for additional yard tracks, industrial spurs, station tracks or a larger mainline arrangement.

True-Track Can Transition to a Permanent Layout

One particularly useful feature of Atlas HO True-Track is that the Atlas Code 83 Snap-Track can be removed from the molded True-Track roadbed and used separately. This gives modelers additional flexibility if a temporary or beginner True-Track layout is eventually rebuilt as a more permanent model railroad.

Atlas HO True-Track Starter Set Features

• HO Scale 1:87
• Approximately 38" x 56" finished track arrangement
• Oval layout with passing siding
• Atlas HO Code 83 True-Track system
• Nickel silver rail
• Brown railroad ties
• Integrated gray graveled roadbed
• Correctly angled roadbed shoulders
• 16 included 18" radius curved sections
• 2 included 9" straight sections
• Left manual turnout included
• Right manual turnout included
• Pair of terminal joiners included
• Complete assembly instructions included
• Easy to assemble and expand
• Suitable for beginners and experienced model railroaders
• Train and power pack sold separately
• Atlas manufacturer item number 0488
• Fusion Scale Hobbies SKU ATL488

True-Track vs. Standard Atlas Code 83 Track

Standard Atlas Code 83 sectional track uses nickel silver rail and brown ties without permanently integrated roadbed. Atlas True-Track combines Code 83 track with molded gray roadbed and ballast detailing, allowing the railroad to have a more complete appearance immediately after assembly.

True-Track is particularly convenient for layouts where easy assembly, portability and integrated roadbed are priorities.

Shop Atlas HO True-Track

Expand your starter layout with additional products from our Atlas HO True-Track collection.

Browse Atlas HO True-Track Straight Track, Atlas HO True-Track Curved Track, Atlas HO True-Track Turnouts & Switches and Atlas HO True-Track Crossings for additional track components.

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