Track Brands

[Anonymous]

I am just starting out, probably with an MTH RTR set...I plan to have a slowly expanding layout, but I don't know if I should stick with the REALTRAX, or go to another kind...Thinking down the road a bit of putting a turntable in, which, one isn't currently offered for realtrax, not really sure about all of it..any input is greatly appreciated....

[Anonymous]

CHECK OUT ATLAS TURNTABLE,BEFORE YOU BUY,IT SHOULD BEABLE TI FIT WHAT EVER TRACK YOU USE.

[Anonymous]

It will be tough to pick with all of the track choices today. Things to keep in mind are looks, available track sizes (radius) and cost. The cost and variations of turnouts (switches) and specialty tracks need to be figured in also.
Will this be a permanent installation or might you change the design as you go, or maybe in the future if you expand the layout?
Some track types have adapters to change between brands. Turntables can be worked into any track plan with little adjustments (shimming track up, lifting turntable, etc.)
I've done layouts with Lionel, Atlas, Gargraves(flex track and rigid). All have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered with your planned layout.
Hope this helps.
Andrew

[Anonymous]

As it turns out.... I think I will be starting out with the Lionel Pennsy K-4 starter set.
I would like to build a permanent layout, but not all at once, one that grows....Still not entirely sure about the whole track thing though....I am just getting into it (after Christmas) so, I will be back, with lots of questions...

Thanks

Chris

[Anonymous]

i started with Lionel 027, then Lionel 031. After a few years of agony with Lionel turnouts, I coughed up the dough and bought Ross Track and Switches. When I tore down my layout in Richmond Virginia for my retirement move to Eastern North Carolina, I took it all with me and have since added Gargraves rigid and flex. I've never regretted my choice. Were I to do it now, I'd stay with the Ross Turnouts for sure but the Atlas O track would warrant some investigation. John

[clinchfieldfan]

I started my layout about five years ago and used atlas track and switches. I really liked the prototypical look of the track. I used cork roadbed and ballasted the track with woodlands scenic medium grey blend. It looks great.[:)]
Now for the bad part![:(!] I experienced voltage drop on several locations around the layout. I thought power/ground feeders every eight feet would do but boy was I mistaken. I had to go back and solder feeder wires to the sides of the rails about every four feet.[:0]
In all fairness to atlas I later read that the early rail joiners did not make the best electrical contact and they have supposed to have corrected this.
After extensive rewiring the trains run great. I am currently adding a third main line with reversing loops on each end using gargraves flex and ross custom switches. This seems like the better track of the two on my layout, it requires soldering for the feeders but heck, I had to solder altas! Either of these tracks worked for me.My best advice is to solder all connections if your layout is going to be permanent.

[lionelsoni]

Amen

[Roger Bielen]

I've used Gargraves Flextrack and Ross switches with no regrets. With the flex you can use whatever radius fits your needs and with Ross swirches you have a multitude of variety to select from. An option to soldering leads to Gargraves is to use a crimp-on terminal on the lead and push it into the botton of the rail.

To avoid a major cost for switches at one shot I bought the swicth print set, made copies and stapled them where I intended to put the switches. This way I could continue putting down track and insert the switches as funds became available.

[Anonymous]

Check out the new Lionel Fastrack. www.lionel.com