O gauge track

[N&W/PRRlover31]

I have reccently decided to redo my O gauge track and would like to upgrade from what I currently have (Lionel's Fast Track). I would greatly appreciate some advice on a nice upgrade that is more realistic. Any one that has had more expearence on this and could give me some ideas please put your suggestgions. I am open to any ideas. Thanks so much

[Stourbridge Lion]

N&W/PRRlover31 - Welcome to Trains.com!

[balidas]

How much money do you want to spend? There's Atlas O, Gargraves, Ross and another company whose name escapes me. If you would like to go old school postwar, there is the tremendous Super O  track system by Lionel.

[butleryard]

On my layout I am using Gargraves track and Ross switches. You can not beat the smoothness and reliability of these switches.

Both of them use wooden ties and look very realistic.

[Seayakbill]

I use Gargraves track and Ross switches, IMO, probably the best combination for O Gauge trains. You will find that most of the super large layouts all use this combination. MTH Scale Track also gets high reviews but I find it is more difficult to work with than Gargraves track. MTH Scale Track is probably the closest to actual scale size.

[N&W/PRRlover31]

Thanks you all so much for your info it has been very helpfull. Price/wise I dont want to spend a fortune but would still like to get something nice. I have heard many great things about RCS and was looking at their curved sectional track . Gargraves flex track looked good too and love the wooden ties.I like how  MTH's Scale Track is ,well scale. When I redo my layout I would like to put down roadbed and ballast for the sake of realism. I know Woodland Scenics make some and various other brands, any experience on this?  Thanks so much for your help!

[baberuth73]

You have thrown me a curve. I want to upgrade my track and was considering Fast track. I run a lot of Marx equipment so super realism isn't an issue with me. What do you not like about the Lionel product?

 

[balidas]

If you're running Marx equipment that includes locos, don't forget that whatever track system you use, make sure the crossings and switches can handle the fat gear drives on the Marx locos.

[N&W/PRRlover31]

What I don't like about Fastrack:  For the sake of realism, I don't like the shape of the rail.  Its a hollow U shape.  Also, I can't figure out a way to get it flush onto my table surface. It's screwed down, but there is still a gap in places.  Not as many possiblities for switches etc.  The roadbed sticks out alot and takes up alot of room.. and I don't have much.  However, it is really easy to put together.  It snaps easily and stays together.  The conductivity is good, I rarely have a problem with this.  It's easy to move and adjust.  I do suggest screwing it down. 

Will

[balidas]

Then Ross Customm Switches and Gargraves would be your alternatives, although I believe Gargraves are also hollow rails.

If you want realistic looking rails then Atlas O would be worth a look. Those rails are solid and they also make a 2 rail O gauge version.

[runtime]

While we are on this subject, do Ross switches handle sliding shoes ok? 

I know from experience that Gargraves switches do not.

 

runtime

[Kooljock1]

I like the way FasTrack looks when it's done well:

Makes me wish I used FasTrack on my layout!

 

Jon 

[tville trains]

what did you do to the lionel fastrack to get this realistic look ? thanks for your reply --frank

[gunrunnerjohn]

baberuth73

You have thrown me a curve. I want to upgrade my track and was considering Fast track. I run a lot of Marx equipment so super realism isn't an issue with me. What do you not like about the Lionel product?

 

I think you're going to find that some Marx stuff has trouble with the Fastrack switches.  I've seen that mentioned more than once.

[John MS]

nothing handles sliding shoes well. I like Ross switches with any track system

[Stourbridge Lion]

John - Welcome to Trains.com!

[Kooljock1]

There are a number of things you can do to make FasTrack look great:

1.  Use fine gray ballast up to the edges of the ties.  Fasten with diluted white glue.  This will also cover the seams between sections.

2.  Use a wash of black India Ink to darken the ballast. 

3.  Airbrush the rail sides with a dirty-brown paint, then wipe the rail-heads before it dries.

4.  Use Accessory power to control the switches so that your red and green lanterns don't turn hot-pink and chartreuse at 18v.

While this might seem like a lt of work, it is no more than you would need to dress up track from Atlas, M-T-H or K-Line, so it's a wash.  And you still get great conductivity and no shoe-snags.

 

Jon