Track Decisions, Decisions

[Anonymous]

I've still been having trouble debating on what kind of trackage I want to start investing into. I've gotten a few pieces of the FasTrack sometime back, and I still have quite a bit of the O-Gauge tubular track sections, including a pair of remote O-31 switches.

Im just not sure whether to invest in the tubular track or more of the FasTrack. Though I like the look of it and how the cars roll around it, you really can't cut FasTrack like you can the tubular track for those layouts that require custom fits.

I don't like the MTH Realtrax because they are too tough to assemble and dissemble.....I tried to put two O-82 curves together at a hobby shop the other day and it was a challenge to get them to snap together. Couldn't get them to come apart, so I put it back on the shelf.

I know Spankybird told me a bit about the GarGraves track, which looked pretty cool from my weekend visit to OH, but i've never worked with their track brand. I have no doubt though that it's good.

To me personally, it doesnt matter if the track is prototypical or not; I just like some good realistic track to run a good layout on. So therefore I need to start investing in a track system that will eventually go on to a permanent layout, once I have a means to do so. Unfortunately you can't do much in a rented duplex.

What sucks though is that all of my local hobby shops charge retail for all of their tracks, same prices as the catalogs. Not sure if going the online order route is better or what. My research continues.......

Chris

[Anonymous]

Gargraves flexible gets my vote. I have used tons of it. You can get it at a lot of online stores, but I found the best price on Ebay, at AM Hobbies. Very reputable,sells Atlas trains also.
I currently have Lionel 022 and K line switches, but next time I will bite the bullet and go with Ross switches.......My two cents...................Tim

[jonadel]

I started out with MTH RealTrax and have really enjoyed it. I'm way past the point of even thinking about switching to another brand because of the investment I've made so far. I have not had any problems with broken tabs/connections/putting it together, etc., maybe I've just been lucky. If you think you might be moving in the future just remember your current track plan will be different than your next one and you will want to recycle all of your track.

It's a tough call so be patient with yourself and keep looking at all the great layouts out there.

Jon

[jefelectric]

My current layout is about half MTH Realtrax and half Atlas. I like both but the Realtrax is very noisy. The Realtrax is not very easy to cut but I have made a few cuts to make things work. The Atlas is easy to cut. Both brands of switches have worked well for me although the Realtrax has been in use longer.

I'll second the post recommending AM Hobbies. I bought most of my Atlas track from Bob. He also sells Gargraves and Ross.

[Anonymous]

You can cut FastTrack with a chop saw to make custom pieces.

Gargraves is great for custom fitting bt it takes practice to get used to how to use it. NEVER pre-bend it.. It's also pretty much a one use product, once you bend and cut it, it's pretty much it. Straightening it out is even harder.

Atlas has a pretty complete system including "flex" track sections. I played around with a section of the flex stuff at a shop, the "flexible" automotive exhaust tubing is easier to bend.

[dbaker48]

Are the Ross switches compatible with Fasttrack?

[Anonymous]

Are the Ross switches compatible with Fasttrack?

Not easily. Ross switches profile matches O-27 track. FastTrack matches up with O. You can shim the switch and use the adapter sections but why? FastTrack switches work very well and you can get sectional Ross track and use Ross Roadbed if you want to use Ross Switches. If you needed a specialty switch (like the double slip) you could graft it into a FastTrack setup.

[Anonymous]

Currently I am using garegraves track with ross switches. The track is not that difficult to work with. All you need is a dremel drill with cut off discs.

But, now I am thinking of making a modular layout. For this I am looking into atlas track. The reason for the atlas on a modular layout, is when transporting the layout, gargraves, and anyother tubular or non-solid track can be easily damaged. Im looking into atlas because it is solid.

Just another thing to remember or think about when choosing.

[Anonymous]

Chris,

There are so many good track systems available today it really is hard to choose. I started out with MTH Realtrax and really never any problems. I was able to buy all kinds of small sections to help me build my trackplan. Since I run 5 separate loops with only one pair of switches, my track plan is pretty basic.

The MTH Realtrax can be pretty noisey but the addition of homasote to my newest section of the layout has cut the noise considerably.

One suggestion about buying track. If you attend train shows perhaps you can find a track system, Gargraves, Atlas, MTH, Lionel, etc., available from local dealers at a discount from the retail stores. Just a suggestion as I see this all the time at the train shows I attend.

Steven Tapper
Northern Central High Railers

[mickey4479]

My choice was and is Atlas track. I can't say pro or con on other brands. If your layout is small to medium and you can piece it together with the ready made curves and straight pieces Atlas is easy to assemble and in my opinion, the switches are great. My experience with Atlas flex track is that it is sturdy and takes practice to bend smoothly. Easy to cut and size with dremel. I think the flex works best when you are dealing with bends for curves 072 diameter and greater. The tighter the curve, the more bend required and it takes more effort and track screws on the ends to keep it smooth. I am happy with it, but it may not be for everyone. Good luck. [:)]

[Anonymous]

I appreciate all the input guys. I've heard alot about Atlas bein good track too, but that their switches have had issues. Eventually it will wind down to one track brand. Since I do have 2 transition pieces for FasTrack, I can see how well it will work with the tubular track. I haven't heard much about how well the FasTrack switches work (remote ones) but would like to hear about those too.

Not familiar with Ross switches, but will have a read on them too.

Chris

[phillyreading]

I have been using Gargraves and O gauge tubular track and 027 with Gargraves track.
Gargraves switches work better than Lionel's 6-23011 series switches and 027 switches. Have not used Ross Custom switches but have been told that the switches are Gargraves compatible. To mix Gargraves with other track use must use adapter pins, also Gargraves does not make an insulating pin for their track, so I had to cut down some S gauge insulating pins to work.
Choose what ever track you like but take this advice: STAY AWAY from Lionel 6-23011 or 6-23010 series switches in O gauge as they are the most problematic switch I have seen on the market in the last 12 years, even Lionel will not recognize that the switch has a problem.
Lee F. in West Palm Beach FL

[overall]

quote]Originally posted by TheTrainMaster

I appreciate all the input guys. I've heard alot about Atlas bein good track too, but that their switches have had issues. Eventually it will wind down to one track brand. Since I do have 2 transition pieces for FasTrack, I can see how well it will work with the tubular track. I haven't heard much about how well the FasTrack switches work (remote ones) but would like to hear about those too.

Not familiar with Ross switches, but will have a read on them too.

Chris

[laz 57]

O-27 up to O-54 here with a couple of ovals of fast track here to O-48.
laz57

[Anonymous]

I use two types of track (but not together): Lionel FasTrack for toy train layouts and Atlas O for Hi-Rail layouts. I have had no problems whatsoever with either type/brand, including the switches. I've found the FasTrack switches to be far more reliable, and smooth, than conventional tubular O gauge switches. And I haven't had any problems with Atlas switches.

These are the two types of O gauge track I've settled on after trying just about every brand and type there is over the years.

[tschmidt]

I like Gargraves and Ross switches with DZ2500 switch machines. You don't have to bend Gargraves for corners if you don't want. You can purchase Gargraves track that is already is pre-formed for the corner size you want.

The Ross switches are the smoothest and quietest I've seen. They wire up very easily and work well with TMCC. If I can work and make these work then anybody can.

TomS

[tgovebaker]

I agree with tschmidt. The Ross switches are spectacular -- I've never seen anything as smooth. They mate perfectly with Gargraves and Ross track, as well. I recently retired my old tubular track, replacing it with Gargraves, and have been very satisfied.

One suggestion: if you're in a humid area, make sure you go with the stainless steel track. It will not have moisture problems. I don't know what Holland, MI is like, but my experience in IN in the summer is that it is about as humid as can be.

[palallin]

QUOTE: Originally posted by phillyreading

Gargraves does not make an insulating pin for their track, so I had to cut down some S gauge insulating pins to work.

They do now; check their website.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by palallin

QUOTE: Originally posted by phillyreading

Gargraves does not make an insulating pin for their track, so I had to cut down some S gauge insulating pins to work.

They do now; check their website.

Why not just cut the rail yourself with a dremel?? Alot easier.... and probubly cheaper

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by phillyreading

...also Gargraves does not make an insulating pin for their track...

I thought this too, but I stopped down at the Gargraves factory last week & Mike Roder showed me a new batch of insulated pins "hot off the presses".

I saw some of the new cast-points switches too, a few have been worked into the factory/store(Gardner, the Train Doctor) layout. Very nice units!

Rob

[Anonymous]

I could possibly stick with the FasTrack since I like how the trains run on them and they go through the switches quite well and smoothly. I know alot of people prefer Atlas or GarGraves for their permanent layouts, but it usually winds down to preference. I don't think there are many who have permanent FasTrack layouts, not that I have seen at least. If there were any layout photos using FT, then I could see what it would look like.

It doesnt matter to me whether I have hi-rail or not, if it looks good to me and if my trains runs good on it, then it will work for me. One nice thing about variety is that you can make your railroad however you want it.

I checked out the Ross switches on their site the other day, and they have some pretty awesome switches, especially the ones that you can double-up for making intricate freight yards. Maybe I could duplicate that same using FasTrack switches too.

Chris

[Anonymous]

Ok, after doing some more reading and some researching, I have came to some conclusions.

Basicaly, the type of track that are usually used for temproary layouts in most cases would be FasTrack, K-line and other lower-ended track, including tubular.

For permanent layouts, track choices would be Ross, and Gargraves track and switches. Because of the details of the track and ties it would have a more realistic look on the layout.

I sometimes wonder if I had wasted my purchases on the little FasTrack that I have currently. Sure they would look great for temporary layouts, but I would most likely have to plan on what track system to go with for a future permanent layout. I've read of posts saying how FT is good for a 'toy based' layout, but not something that would be used on a permament basis. And to me that's somewhat discouraging. I love the look of the Ross switches, but they would be a challenge to mate with the FT. I've never had any GG or Ross track so I dont have any experience with working with those. And how about when it comes to operating accessories like signals and such and operating cars? How would those be typically wired with Ross and GG track?

Don't want to seem like a bother with this topic, I guess I seem to get more involved in this hobby than I did in the past years. I guess what I should do at some point is find someone who has a layout that has the GG or Ross based track system and see for myself on how it performs. Then I could make a more sound decision.

Chris

[tadowler]

Chris -

I don't think you wasted your money on fastrack - if it helped you with your decision than it was a wise purchase.

I plan on using Atlas and Ross swithces for my permanent layout. However, for now I am using fastract for my carpet railroad.

If you want to sell your fastrack, please send me an e-mail and maybe we can work somethink out.

- Todd

[Anonymous]

I highly reccomend you look at as many layouts and track types as you can before you make up your mind. I just kept adding peices of FasTrack from my starter set and got to the point of no return. I'm not saying it was a bad decision but if I were to start over I would have done more research and even set up a loop of another type to test for myself.

Over all I am happy with my FasTrack layout.

[Anonymous]

Hi Houdy,

Thanks for sharing your layout pics. The FT looks quite good on that layout. What kind of track did you use for the elevated portion of the layout? I think ever since I saw my uncle's layout that consisted of FT, I was pretty drawn on the look and how smooth it ran along the track and the switches he has. You have a valid point though, I will look at more layout types and see how they work; maybe ask more questions too. I never had any idea what Ross switches or GarGraves was until I joined this forum. Guess thats what being out of the hobby for a few years does to ya.

@tadowler, thanks for your response. Since I live in a duplex right now, pretty much a permanent layout would be out of the question until I am able to buy a home one day (and who knows how long that will take).

As for the FasTrack, I will most likely hold on to it for now and see how it goes, especially since I just recently gotten O72 curves earlier this month. Soon I will look into buying some remote switches to see how well they work, which I heard was pretty good and smoothly.

Thanks guys for the input. [:)]

Chris

[tadowler]

Hi Chris,

Please let me know how you like those 72" curves and switches. I have been looking to go with wider curves but everyone seams to be out of stock right now.

Todd

[Frank53]

if you have a bunch of tubular track, I would consider sticking with it. Your cost is zilch, and if you need to expand, it is readily available and cheap and comes in as many radii as you may need - 31, 42, 54, 72 with swicthes available for all.

The $$$ you save can go into engines, frieght, scenery (that adds up fast) or buildings.

Add some ties, as shown below, and it looks pretty decent.

[tschmidt]

The Fastrack isn't a waste of money. You can always use it around a Christmas tree or anyplace you want to do something temporary.

TomS