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More track questions...

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More track questions...
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 4:13 PM
Thanks for all the info on various track. I think I've caught up on what's out there and the pros & cons of each. Now for the big que$tion:

What is the about average cost difference between: Atlas O, Gargraves, Fastrack, and Super O?

For example, to keep it simple, let's say I were going to build a standard old oval layout with two switches (022s) on a 4 x 8 piece of plywood, about how much would I be looking at for each of the 4 tracks?
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  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
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Posted by spankybird on Saturday, October 22, 2005 4:31 PM
All the new track types is about $3.50 per section. Check the mfg. web sites will give you your cost.

Super O track is all use and depending on condition and where you buy it will depent on cost. Check E-Bay.

By far, Gragraves is your best bang for the buck [:D]

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 4:43 PM
You're best off shopping around for the best prices. First, I would consider a local source because it's great to support a local business, if possible, and you'll have stuff you can just pick up and take home. Yes, you can save a few bucks by purchasing via mail order--maybe--but when you factor in shipping costs you may not be that far ahead. And, if you mail order the stuff, you'll have to wait for it to arrive.

All of the major mail order firms have web sites that you can browse for prices, most advertise in the two major magazines. If you have a local dealer you can easily determine what he charges.

If price is really a major consideration, you probably should stick with good, old, tried-and-proven tubular track. It will be the least expensive. But when I buy track, I go for what I believe looks and works best for me, and price is very much a secondary consideration. After all, track is the single most important item on a layout.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 24, 2005 5:34 AM
For a oval on a 4x8, why in the world would you base your decision on track cost? If you are just using this as a basis for comparing, and your layout will be a lot larger, OK...but there are still a lot of other important considerations other than cost when selecting track.

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