Toy train operating and collecting

I use Fastrack for the main level of my layout, with some 0 gauge tubular used in my Union Station complex.  For switches I use Fastrack 036 and some 022 used with the adapter track.

 My elevated track section is Marx 034, using a combination of Marx metal track elevators and Lionel trestles.  This section uses no switches.

Ken  

Lionel O27 Tubular..I have an extremely tight budget and very limited income.  Also, being a "player" rather than "modeler", the track looks just fine.   Of course, when I close my eyes  I  dream of Gargraves and Ross.  Thanks for asking.

Traindaddy1,

You might think about using 027 profile track along with Ross Custom Switches. It comes in radii up to 054.The money saved on the track can go toward better switches. Just a thought.

George

See what you started Chief? Shame on you!!!

I have experienced practically all the track systems and have samplings stashed away. Tubular O31 has been my long time favorite but it is beginning to take a back seat to Lionel Fastrack. Fastrack is expensive but it looks and works great with postwar Lionel and MPC. It seems I can blast trains at full throttle through the switches and crossings without a hitch. I also like it for its ease of use and variety.

MTH Realtrax is OK I guess. I just don't care for the widely spaced ties, zero magnetic permability with magnetraction, and the way the contact strips work.

I use GarGraves and 027 on my second level and GarGraves and O gauge 042 track on the lower level with GarGraves switches. Used GarGraves switches for a replacement of Lionel switches(6-23010), problems with derailments solved for me. Other nice thing about GarGraves & Ross switches is that the motor can be replaced while the switch is still mounted in the layout.

Had to replace too many Lionel 6-23011 & 23010 switches, these switches are most unfriendly to Williams engines, something about using a Lionel 6-23010 or 23011 with a Williams engine, once you run a Williams engine within two track sections(any direction) of those switches they go bad inside the switch.

My upper level is 027 track with 27 inch curves around the ceiling of my train room.

Have not used Atlas O gauge track or Fastrac or MTH Realtrax. Tried to sell some new and never used Fastrac at local train show and no luck.

Lee F.

My 5'x6' Christmas layout uses my older MTH Realtrax along with two 0-31 turnouts.

My new permanent 11'x14' (soon to be 11'x17') layout uses Ross turnouts, with Gargraves sectional for the curves, Gargraves flex track for the straights, and Gargraves uncoupler sections.

Jim

phillyreading wrote:

Had to replace too many Lionel 6-23011 & 23010 switches, these switches are most unfriendly to Williams engines, something about using a Lionel 6-23010 or 23011 with a Williams engine, once you run a Williams engine within two track sections(any direction) of those switches they go bad inside the switch. Lee F.

You are lucky if you got anything to work on those switches. What a disaster those switches were and they should be on the top ten list of toy train blunders. I pity dealers who were stuck with them.

Interesting, and again, I'm wrong.

Here are the results so far (Sorry Marx and K-line track users, I'm lumping you in with Lionel tubular.):

Tubular: 10 people

Gargraves and or Ross: 3

Fastrack: 7

Realtrax: 3

Atlas: 2

Not really what I was expecting. I was thinking Ross and Gargraves would be right under tubular. Fastrack looks to be more popular than I thought. When the weekend is over, I will re-tally. Thanks to everyone who has posted!

We use Ross track exclusively (both switches and track).  We have never experienced any troubles whatsoever and don't have to clean the track as much as HO.

"You are lucky if you got anything to work on those switches. What a disaster those switches were and they should be on the top ten list of toy train blunders. I pity dealers who were stuck with them."

I have three on my layout, and they have been absolutely flawless. They're considerably more reliable than postwar O22s, work consistently at lower voltage, and are much smoother. Plus, I like that I can make closer spaced yard sidings than is possible with O22s. 

Kookjock also has several of these installed on his layout, and reports no trouble with them. 

If anyone has any of these switches which they were "stuck" with, send me an e-mail and I'd be more than happy to take them off your hands. I love the ones I have.