Newby Track Question

[Boonter]

I want to build a small temporary 'test track' befor I get too carried away. The only dealer close by has only Gargraves track. I'm not sure that I will use this for a bigger layout.

My question: Can different manufacturers track be used together, excluding 0-27 of course. Example....Atlas, Lionel, and Gargraves all mixed into the same layout ?

Second ? Is Gargraves somewhat pricy in comparison to other brands ?

I

[Big_Boy_4005]

The basic answer is yes, all of those brands and styles will mate with the use of the proper pins or joiners, even 027 or O. Some shimming may be required.

Gargraves is priced in line with old fashioned tubular, and below brands like Atlas, and the new integral roadbed systems.

[Boonter]

Many thanks ! Now I'm faced with the question.......What is the difference between "old fashoned tubular" and more current production !!! SHEESH!!
I've got a looong way to go to catch up.

[cnw1995]

I'm staying with 027 that came with my train set - and it's pretty inexpensive - with all the new FastTrak, etc. out there now with plastic roadbeds. I've found 'newer' tubular-fitting track in Hobby Lobby stores. There's loads of 'used' 0 and 027 tubular track out there in hobby stores.

[Dr. John]

Boonter-

Old fashioned tubular is the traditional three rail track that has been around for nearly a century. It has hollow rails and metal ties, usually three ties per section, and is available from Lionel and K-Line. Gargraves uses hollow rails on more realistic ties (either wood or plastic). Atlas makes a very realistic line of track with solid rails and close tie spacing, but more expensive than tubular or Gargraves. MTH Realtrax has a molded plastic road bed to simulate ballast, The tie spacing is wider than prototype, but it is popular and easy to use. More expensive than tubular, less than Atlas. Lionel has recently introduced FastTrack in its starter sets. FastTrack has a molded roadbed like RealTrax with better tie spacing. The rails are hollow sheet metal in an inverted U shape. Cost is somewhat more than tubular, somewhat less than RealTrax. Still new, but a broad line is to be offered.

There are other options, but that covers the basics. I did not get into flex track, hand laid, or other options. If I've left any offering out, somebody else jump in!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Sorry Boonter, I didn't mean to confuse a newby.[%-)][;)] When I said "old fashioned" I meant that they have been making the stuff for over 50 years and it hasn't changed. Though over the years they have added "flavors" beyond "vanilla". Translation: different switches and curves that match that style are now available. I can be a little too silly for my own good sometimes.[swg]

Oh and [#welcome]

[FJ and G]

You can mix track. I happen to know a famous hi-railer who layed down GG track everywhere except in a couple of sections, which have Lionel tubular.

Why?

Because, when his buddies (all in their 50s/60s) visit, he can show them that the trains really do operate on authentic Lionel track that they knew and played with as kids.

Incidentally, most track makers offer transition track from one type to another (I don't know about Fasttrack, however).

If you don't want a piece of transition track, you can simply spike or screw down both types of track nice and firm and just run your trains from one track to the other without rail joiners. Just solder a wire from one track to the other on all 3 rails. Also, if the height profile is different, you can simply shim up or down as needed.

dav

[jkerklo]

I use tubular O-Gauge track, mostly because:

It is easy to lay, and is forgiving. It is sturdy enough that roadbed need not be perfect.

There are a variety of curve diameters (31, 42, 54, 72, 96, and 120). Curves can be
mixed to acheive most any arc distance and larger diameter curves can replace
straights to produce gentle sweeps.

Switches are available in O31, O42, and O72 curve diameters. The O22 style
switches are very reliable, and I have been familar with them for a long time. My
layout uses mostly pre-war 711 switches (O72).

The outside rail can be insulated (although it is tedious).

Track rail joints can also be easily isolated to form track blocks.

I run mostly postwar trains, so I know that they will operate reliability over track and
switches.

I would judge any other track system against these criteria. Switches need to be carefully evaluated if operation is to be reliable.

John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com

[Boonter]

Many thanks to all!! I feel that I've landed in the right forum. There will be MANY newby questions for a while. Hope you are all patient.....

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Boonter

Many thanks to all!! I feel that I've landed in the right forum. There will be MANY newby questions for a while. Hope you are all patient.....

Beyond your wildest imagination.[;)] We like to help.[:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Boonter


I want to build a small temporary 'test track' befor I get too carried away. The only dealer close by has only Gargraves track. I'm not sure that I will use this for a bigger layout.

My question: Can different manufacturers track be used together, excluding 0-27 of course. Example....Atlas, Lionel, and Gargraves all mixed into the same layout ?

Second ? Is Gargraves somewhat pricy in comparison to other brands ?

I

[Anonymous]

You can mix Atlas, Gargraves and O-27 profile track together. You can use shims and adapter pins or adapter sections to tie into just about anything else except ScaleTrax.

[phillyreading]

Are you going to run any trolleys or street cars? KLine has something new called Super
Streets; it is three rail track that looks somewhat similar t H.O. race car track except that
it will allow you to run street cars on narrow curves and has wheel slots next to the rails,
I am thinking about using SuperStreets on my expansion to my layout very soon, a little more than Lionel Fastrax but more realistic looking.
Lee.