Mixing Brands of Track

[beauty and the beast]

Greeting and Salutations!

We have a Bachman train and the track that came with it.  We also have some LGB Brass track.  Last weekend we were temporarily setting up the train so the Grandson could play with it and we had trouble getting the two types of track to go together.  Any tricks to attaching different tracks, or was it a lack of patience on Grandpa's part?

 

Keep em rolling!!

[Anonymous]

Bachmann track only goes with Bachmann. It is what I call crap track, unless you keep it inside.

LGB is good track & turn outs and can be hooked up with other type of track but Bachmann, no go!

Toad

[altterrain]

The Bachmann track is fine for indoor use with small locos since it is only 4 foot diameter. To get it to connect with brass track you'll need to yank out the metal pins in the end and either try to mold it over the brass track or stuff the hollow inside with some slivers of wood and slipping it in the LGB joiner.

-Brian 

[beauty and the beast]

Thanks for the input.  I was hoping to use the Bachman track as long as I could then replace it.

 Thanks

Beast

[two tone]

Hi As others have said Bachmann track is just for show, as you are in UK use LGB. I`ve got LGB and have no trouble with it. As i`ve extended my layout and moved the track a fair bit it has never let me down IE bad conections, when laying the track LGB always use the grease recomended in all joints and make sure fish plates are tight.   If you give an idea where you are in the country some one near by will always offer any help they can. Contacts are of great value for advice

[altterrain]

LGB track is no longer sold in the states (except for used stuff on eBay and its way overpriced)!

-Brian 

[Great Western]

Hi B&B,

Hi, Wherever you are. (Your time zone suggests UK GMT but you may not actually have set your time).

You have had a couple of comments from guys in the States and one in the UK.  I am in the UK and chose Aristo-Craft code 332 brass track.  I have had it over two years and never had any problems with the product or conductivity.  The little securing screws can be a little awkward to begin with but you soon master the art of fixing.  I am over retirement age and my sight is not what it was but I manage them easily.

I would suggest you read what is going on in the track field at present.  Look in one the other Fora, both American and the UK one.  Aristo are introducing aluminium track soon and you will find a lively debate about the merits of brass versus stainless steel.  Personally if I started over again I think I would opt for stainless steel. 

[two tone]

Hi, As you are in UK there is plenty of track available here, always use brass track mine has been down 5 years plus and no probs with it. I would always recomend good quality track then you dont get circuit breaks as with some of the cheaper makes

[Rex in Pinetop]

And then there is the total plastic track that comes with the toy trains.  It works well in yards and for car storage.  Hot glue will do a temporary job connecting the brass to the plastic.  Its worth considering for low traffic areas for battery operations.