Old Lionel .. can I use K-line super snap track?

[Anonymous]

While in the process of getting all my 1948-1950's Lionel train stuff unpacked,
it appears that the track i(0-27) is not in too good of shape. Light rust, loose/missing pins and some dings on it.
If I have to replace the track is the K-line super snap track any good?
What do you use and recommend?
I would like to keep the proce down if possible.

Thanks in advance ;-)

Chuck in Chico, CA

[ben10ben]

If you want to keep the price down, the best thing to use to replace it is new O27 tubular track. The current retail price is $.89 per section, and some places sell it for even less than that. A standard trainset oval can be had for about $15.

As for the K-line snap track, I personally haven't had any first-hand experience with it, although I've read some pretty good things about it on the forum. There's no reason why your trains won't run on it. I'm told that it will mate directly with standard O gauge track from Lionel or K-line if you clip of the snap-together tabs and insert a standard track pin. The rail height, shape, and diameter are all the same.

Some snap together tracks use little metal spring contacts to carry power from rail to rail, and I believe K-line is one of them. These can prove to be a weak link, as they often get bent or dirty to the point where they no longer carry power. With the K-line track, though, this can be remedied by using regular track pins between the sections.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor is in !!! eb2chuck, If you are looking for 027 track, I may have some for sale. I can make you a deal on track, manual switches and one crossover. Email if interested.
Till My Next Missive I Remain The Humble But Strangly Evil Doctor !!![}:)]

"I have a ZW Transformer and I know how to use it ! "

[alton6]

Chuck,

Track is largely a question of personal preference and budget.

New track functions better than old.

For ruggedness, affordability, reliable and robust electrical conductivity and/or the "traditional look" it would be hard to go wrong with K-Line's full-sized O gauge standard track with metal ties. This line, like the snap-track it mates with, is offered in a large number of radii for those who like no-sweat creative layouts. I have most of them. This stuff is tough!

Carl

[daan]

I don't know about K-line, but postwar Lionels with magnetraction work best on the good old tubular tracks.

[insfil]

Hi Chuck, I've installed K-Lines Super-Snap and it's the greatest!!. Easy to install, easy to connect to tubular, ( I used the tubular in my long tunnels ). I have K-lines straight, curve, switches, etc, etc, and my lionel pre-war, post war, Fundimension/MPC era and modern era all run superb. Good luck in your decision making process.