New To Model Trains O Guage

[Anonymous]

I am new to the hobby and am looking to buy my first starter set.  I am interested in one of the themed Lionel sets  (NASCAR) but do not have room for the 40 inch wide track  (length however, is not an issue at 60).  I saw a Real TRAX set which has a track that is only 31 inches wide and would fit perfectly in my space.  Will the Lionel train, which states it needs a minimum curve of 27, run on this real TRAX track?  Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well. 

[otftch]

The realtrax will work but I advise only using it if you set it up once.If you are going to kep taking it apart the tiny electrical connectors under the track are nothing but problems.If you set it up and leave it there is no problem.Our club had to replace almost half of our realtrax after only seven shows.(we went with Lionel fastrack and have done twelve shows since with not a single problem)The way the track comes apart tends to bend and distort the contacts and they are so fine you can only bend them back so often.One of our members set his up at home and all is well.You can also use regular tubular track which is much cheaper and easier to work with.You can get it in 027 and 031 also.

                                                                                Ed

                                                                                      

[cnw1995]

Welcome to the forum, Mike. The NASCAR set sounds neat. It was just reviewed in a recent CTT if you want to pick up a copy at your local Borders or B&N. I'll take a peek if it says anything about running on 027 track.

[otftch]

My Gp-38 (Lionel) runs on 027 track and switches and has no problems.It is the same engine Lionel uses in the Nascar set.The freight cars are no problem either.

                                                 Ed

[trainbrain]

I think the review wasn't favorable for the power of the engine.  I can't find it now but I remember something to that effect.  I think it said something about not coming through with a Great set for the Nascar idea, only an OK set.

[fifedog]

Ya know, MikeG, that CSX has mainline tracks that run right next to the backstretch of Martinsville Speedway.  Sooooo, you could build a miniature Speedway inside your loop, complete with haulers and 1/43 racecars, and probably be the only kid on your block to boast that one...

[jimhaleyscomet]

Welcome!!!

Take a peak at the FAQ post at the top of the forum list (or below):

How To / FAQ / Newbie Index

 

Tubular 031 (or even smaller 027) are both good candidates for you.  The only "problem" with tubular is it tends to bend out of shape if you assemble / dissassemble often.  An alternative is K-line's snap track (it is also 031).  Snap track is tubular mounted to a plastic base.  It is much easier to assemble and if you add a package of track pins (very cheap and at your local hobby shop) it holds together much better than straight tubular. Snap track is better supported so it does not tend to bend out of shape. 

I mix different track types on my layout but some folks do not like the way it looks.  There are transition pieces to go from Fastrak to tubular so you could use tubular just on the curvers and use your Fastrak for straights if you want. You could then use your leftover Fastrak curves with switches or S curves on  your layout.     

Jim H