Gargraves track

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

Was wondering if anyone would share some of their likes/dislikes of Gargraves track. The FasTrack that my set came with is nice and easy, but very loud. I've posted before and gotten many ideas about cutting down on the noise. I saw some Gargraves track at a show yesterday and liked the looks of it. I was just wondering if it might be worth a try, as opposed to droping money and spending a lot of time trying various means of quieting down the FasTrack. It didnt seem too expensive, and right now all I have is a simple oval loop. Thanks,

PJ

[A&Y Ry]

I have used GarGraves Flextrack since 1992 on several layouts with 300-400' of track because I like the wooden ties and the ability to make custom curves.  I mount the track on cork roadbed over 1/2" extruded foam on plywood. I use 1-1/4" skinny "cabinet" screws[about #4] to reach thru the wooden ties, cork and  foam to the plywood. But after ballasting, I remove the screws, fill the holes and touch up the tie top with a mix of black and brown Sharpies.

The cork/foam right-of-way combo plus removing screws after ballasting worked well at reducing sound. However, with hollow space between the joists under the layout it is much like a big speaker box which amplifies to some extent and the typical drywall clad room ain't near as quiet as celotex, etc.

[underworld]

The GarGraves is really great stuff! The wooden ties give it a nice look and it is quite easy to bend. I'm not sure how much the O gauge goes for but I have some 1 gauge and it was just over $5.00 for a 37 inch section. They are the only current manufacturer that I was able to find for  1 gauge 3-rail and I have to say I'm very happy with it. They also make sectional track.

 

underworld

[Roger Bielen]

For me its a ditto of Dewey's post.

[mpzpw3]

Skullie,

I use Gargraves track, and really like it. Remember, though, that it is more for a permanent layout than one that is taken down every once in a while. Your post states that you have a simple loop right now. Is it in a place where it won't be disassembed and re-assembled? If you are considering disassembling it a lot, or would like to add on someday, Gargraves track may not be for you. It is easier to plan ahead with Gargraves than to change it once it is down.

Gargraves is my favorite track, but I don't think you can really compare it to fastrack. Fastrack is built to be put together and taken apart a lot, while Gargraves is kinda of a permanent layout thing. Gargraves should be attached to the table somehow, while, fastrack seems to be able to hold itself together without attaching it to the table. Just something to think about...

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. I think I might give it a try.

mpzpw3: I am planning a permanent oval for my Christmas set to run under my tree every year. I've taken into consideration leaving enough space to add buildings and make a little village.

I have a couple of other sets I am interested in and might purchase one (or more if I am lucky) and use the FasTrack to change the layout around and keep it interesting and run that one with my daughter year round. The Christmas set I kind of want to keep special just for holiday season. Especially since it was my first set.

[phillyreading]

GarGraves track also has another nice feature that is not mentioned so far and that is the switches are lower profile and overhang of engines and cars is not a problem.  The switch motors are much easier to access or repair if needed, the switch motors usually don't break down.  GarGraves track can be cut to fit, try that with Fastrac and see what happens!

Price for switches are about the same as Lionel for O gauge tubular track.  Also Ross Custom switches work with GarGraves track with NO adapters or special pins.

Track pins for GarGraves track are the same for almost all track sizes and work with Ross switches.

I have stainless steel track as the regular track tends to rust down here in south Florida, the price of stainless per section is about $10.00 for the 37.25 inch straight track.

Lee F.