I've just read the posts concerning the differences between the track brands and their effect on the look of the layout. So, I got to wondering if switching from tubular to Gargraves would work for me on my next layout project. I counted the number of pieces on my present layout (162 plus 6 switches) and tried to calculate how much a Gargraves replacement would cost.
I KNOW the first thing you are going to say is "If you have to ask, then forget it"
Just wondering: If you had to decide between buying more train stuff or changing your track -- "ceteris paribus" (ie. all other things being equal) what would your personal choice be? Thanks.
I have Atlas track on my layout. I have occasionally thought about going to two rail for added realism (A silly thought since I am still wiring and have yet to put one piece of scenery down ). Without even considering the cost of motive power (two rail dc engines vs. my existing lot of three rail ac engines), I would rather spend the money on "other" train stuff rather than discard my current track. In the end, I like my Atlas 3 rail enough that changing track systems will not add enough additional enjoyment to offset the additional cost.
Regards,
John O
This isn't a big deal really. Do you like the look of the gragraves over the tubular? or Do you want a more realistic look as opposed to a classic toy look. Are you going to do alot of scenery and ballast the track? If I was at you point and I liked the look of gragraves and wanted to make a realistic looking layout with finished scenery and and was going to lay roadbed and ballast. I would change and go with the gargraves as myself I would keep think down the road that I could have changed early and wished I would. But if I like the classic toy look and I was going to just but toy scenery, ie operating items, plasticville item, ect, and I wasn't going to ballast I'ld keep the tubular and not think twice about it.. In short pick the track style that will compliment the finished look you want. Think about what you want and will be happy with and do it. Also if you already have the tubular and don't want it, I bet you can resale it for atleast 75% of what you got in it on ebay or maybe on this forum even.
John
traindaddy1 wrote: So, I got to wondering if switching from tubular . . . .
So, I got to wondering if switching from tubular . . . .
I think John was just talking about thoughts he had of change his basic setup just as Traindaddy. but not only changing track but also going 2 rail. Gargraves makes 3 rail but I think they make 2 rail also, I know they make S and Standard gauge and I think the are making G scale track now.
Hello Fred:
My comments were comparing Atlas 3 rail to Atlas 2 rail. I was attempting to draw an analogy similar to the situation that Traindaddy was asking about. I did not mean to create any additional confusion.
Hi Jake !! Yes, Gargraves for one that I know of, makes 2 rail o-scale track. They make it S- scale also !
Thanks, John
Fred Bear wrote:Yes but how does 2 rail work for the stuff we run that has center rail pick ups? thanks, Jake
Well it don't work with centerrail pickups you need a two rail loco and cars that have insulated wheels and axels. How ever way back when to get a more realistic look to 3 rail they used an outside 3rd rail and they modifided the pickups into wipers that stuck out from the side of loco to pickup power from the outside rail. The layout at the cynergy building in Cincinatti still usees this method and looks good or at least better than a centerrail.
traindaddy1,
I made the switch awhile back. Figure on spending about $200 for 150 LF of Gargraves track plus about $25 each for a Gargraves switch with a DZ2500 sw. mach. more if you go with Ross switches.
IMO it is a very good investment!
Bob Nelson
As always, many thanks for the information and suggestions. I appreciate the time you take to share. It is just one of those things that I like about classic toy train people.
Frank53 wrote: traindaddy1 wrote: So, I got to wondering if switching from tubular . . . .
Frank- dude, you're so tubular! LOL There is something wholesome about tubular track.
.
CSXect wrote: Gargraves comes in several gauges G, O, S.They may very well make two rail O as well but have not seen any myself.
Gargraves comes in several gauges G, O, S.
They may very well make two rail O as well but have not seen any myself.
Well, lets see.... if we all go to the Gargraves website, what do we find....
http://www.gargraves.com/o.php
Surprise... Gargraves does make 2 rail track (# 301-Tinplate and 302-Stainless Steel).
And, there's more (Regular Line Sectional Track - 2 Rails) if you scroll down.
Isn't that accommodating for all those 2 rail fans!
Ain't the Internet great, when you know how to use it!
No question is stupid...we all have to learn somewhere. I think GarGraves would be a great choice, and its one of the cheaper track brands too. I myself have decided to go with Atlas, after building a small oval, I really love how quiet the track is when my trains roll over them, and they look good too. So Atlas track is going to be my new track system, and since it can mate with Ross via adapter pins, I can go that route too.
Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong with the choice with GG. I believe there is a video on GarGraves track that tells you more about their system and how the track works (for bending and cutting and such).
To use GarGraves track with your current track system assuming it is O gauge tubular all that is needed is adapter pins, so you can use GarGraves for the area that is seen and tubular for covered areas. To go to GarGraves from Atlas adapter pins are needed and some track filing. I have GarGraves with Lionel tubular 031 & 027 track, GarGraves mates great with 027 track with just adapter pins, 031 needs for GarGraves track to be shimmed up a little as the height is not the same. I also use extra ties under the track for a more realistic look that I bought from 3R Plastics.
The reason I like GarGraves switches is the height issue verses Lionel switches, almost anything can go throw a GarGraves switch if it is the right track radius. I recommend buying stainless steel GarGraves as it don't rust as quickly as regular steel track, here in south Florida things rust very quickly!
Lee F.
Fred Bear wrote:I changed over to Atlas 3 rail last month, I like their switches as well, it all works flawlessly, and yes, it is very quiet! Quiet as a moth in a cotton box in fact! Jake
What about the Atlas 072 switches? I have read on the forum that there are problems with them.
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