Opinions on "Good" track systems...

[Jim Duda]

I'm sure you "pro's" notice a lot of us "Christmas train folks" showing up on the forums... Thanks for helping us. Do most of you use the same type/brand of track on your scenic layouts? I ask because I just ordered some K-Line Super K Shadow Rail track for my soon to be built 4'X8' table. Is this stuff any good? I have my fingers crossed that it interfaces OK with the O22 switches and is completely interchangeable with the Lionel O-gauge track. Any gotchas to be aware of?
Thanks in advance.
Jim Duda
Austin, TX

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'm a Gargraves fan, and gave up sectional track quite a while ago. Not fond of Gargraves switches though, but there are plenty of alternatives available these days.

I'm not familiar with the K-line offering of which you speak, but I'm confident it will work just fine.

Perhaps the most interesting track system I've ever seen, is Atlas' 21st century line.
Slightly more expensive, but excellent detail, large selection of peices, including: rigid sectional pieces and a nice variety of curve radii, turnouts, diamonds, flex track, and the first double slip switch ever offered for 3 rail.

One advantage of track systems that have non-conductive ties (such as Atlas and Gargraves) is that while one outside rail is used as the ground the other is available for operating signals or accessories. Trying to do this with traditional track is very tedious. This is a somewhat advanced concept, and I'm not sure how much experience you have, but eventually it will come up. I'm not sure if the K-line track system is insulated or can be modified, or if it special insulated sections available.

[Roger Bielen]

Welcome to the hobby Jim,

I also used Gargraces flex-track on my main layout. Around the Christmas tree I use my old O27 track going back 54 yrs.. Most 3 rail sectional track brandsm, without molded plastic bases, are compatible, or can be joined with adapters, either special pins or rail sections. For a permanent layout my first choice for switches would be either Ross or Curtis. Both offer a good selection and are well worth the cost.

Enjoy your trains and Merry Christmas.

[Jim Duda]

The K-Line "Shadow Track" came today so I can now rest easy. For those of you that want to achieve a more realistic look this is an easy option. It plugs in perfectly with Lionel - no adapters whatsoever are needed...and it works perfectly with my 022 switches - yippee! Since the center rail is blackened (hence the name Shadow) it does (to me) seem less noticeable. But the neat thing is there are 17 black PLASTIC ties (I guess you could call this "non-conductive" type...) in ea. 10" section of straight and 18 ties in an 0-31 curved section; moreover, there is some "detail" molded into the top of each tie.

I'm sure there are other good systems out there but this is a simple drop-in fit for those of us with our 50 year old Lionel track that has served so well over the years. It isn't quite as "nostalgic" as the original stuff, but it looks a lot more realistic...at least to this newbie.
jd

ps Has someone done a price comparison on different brands of track?

[Big_Boy_4005]

Glad to hear that its a hit. Just for fun, the original realistic looking track for O guage trains was "super O" made by none other than Lionel. It was an interesting system, but for what ever reason, it never caught on. It may be that it was introduced during Lionel's declining years. Some people still love and use it, but its tricky to find the quantities needed to make large layouts, and the center rail joiners (made of copper) are usually in short supply, though I believe reproductions are available at considerable cost (relitavely speaking).

[turbine682]

I recently purchased Ross Custom Switches and Track (sectional). Really like the wooden ties, and extended ties on both sides of the swtich. 50 year old lionel trains run fantastic. Would probably need to buy special pins to mate with Lionel track, but have no desire to purchase Lionel. I may consider Gargraves flex when the time comes for expansion, but right now we're just running the Xmas layout.

Glad to hear your new track has met / exceeded expectations. Happy Holidays and Railroading!

[Anonymous]

K-line's "Super-Snap" is almost identical to "Super K", mates with O-31 tubular & "Super K" as well, and is actually much easier to put together & take apart repeatedly. I've been picking up both K-line types (new-in-box) at on-line auctions for about the same price as new tinplate tubular. Eight 31" curves & two straights can often be had for $10.00.

Good luck!

[clinchfieldfan]

I agree with the guys on this one, Gargraves is probley the best track for a permanent layout. I used atlas O early on when only the short sectional was available and had a lot of electrical problems. I recently began construction of a third mainline with 072 reverse loops built with Gargraves and Ross custom switches. Much easier and looks as good as the atlas O.
As for my Christmas tree layout I like the new Lionel fastrack.