Track advice for layout

[Anonymous]

I've been reading the forums and learning a lot from everyone. I am finally making my 16 X 7 layout permanent and am having a hard time determining what to do with the track.

Since I currently have a mix of K-line Supersnap track and lionel 027, I wanted to ditch all the 027 since I've read about the switches not being very good (I purchased switches last year and haven't used them), plus I really liked the looks of the Supersnap.

The problem is that I am tired of waiting for more of the Supersnap to become available (it seems like everyone who has it reasonably priced has it on backorder). I am really considering going to Gargraves and Ross Switches (I only need about 5 switches right now), but have zero experience with them.

I am keeping K-line Supersnap for the separated upper elevated line, but I want the main line and the inner line running on the type of track (I will be able to run 3 trains on the layout). I am not planning on running huge trains or the high dollar engines unless I win the lottery, so the 031 or the 042 curves will suffice.

Is Gargraves a better option? Is it easy to use? I was going to wait on the K-line, but I guess I am like my 7 year old son and am getting impatient!

Thanks-
Rod

[brianel027]

QUOTE: "it seems like everyone who has it reasonably priced has it on backorder."

This is something that I understand is happening more frequently. As the hobby continues to get more expensive, folks seek out the lowest prices which tend to be a set number of mail order venues. Increasing wholesale prices with less business (and other factors) drives smaller localized shops out of business, so some folks have no choice but to rely on mailorder venues. Now put on top of that mix that fact that companies have cut back in quantities of production runs and that there is an extended downtime because the stuff is all made across the Pacific Ocean.

All that said, Gargraves track has been around for over 50 years, is one of the few [:(] train products STILL made in the USA [:D] (right here in NYS) and is a fine value for the money!!

Bending the flex sections can be frightening at first, but Gargraves makes a video on how to do this. Both train magazines have had articles on this, and it has been a topic on the train forums too. Gargraves does make sectional track also.

I understand their turnouts had some updates and modifications made a few years ago and that they are also a bargain for the money.

Of course you could spend more money and get the premium quality Curtis products, but if money is a consideration and you still want quality, Gargraves is most certainly the way to go. BTW, you can also mix Gargraves turnouts with 027 sectional tubular track: they're the same height and Gargraves makes the adaptor pins, just for your information.

[eZAK]

[#welcome]Rod,

I second the motion on Gargraves track and their new switches.

Great value!

Check out their web site http://gargraves.com/
Their products can be found at many hobby shops and swap meets.

[lionelsoni]

You say you've read that O27 switches are not very good. Except for the switch-machine clearance, I wonder what you are referring to?

[jimhaleyscomet]

K-line makes EXCELLENT 0-27 switches. Non derailing, affordable, can be run off separate power.

If cost is an issue that is the way to go!!!!!

Jim H

[lionelsuperotrack]

Don't over look what many regard as the most realistic appearing toy train track ever produced. Many feel Lionel "Super O" track well fits that description. If you have an interest in this 50 year old track system read on.

Do not feel that supply is limited. Ebay seldom has less then 50 items listed at any one time and should you need other sources let me know.

Here are 2 pieces about "Super O" you will enjoy:

The History of Lionel "Super O" Track
( http://www.tcamembers.org/articles/operating/supero/index.html )

Lionel_SuperO_Track Yahoo Group
( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lionel_SuperO_Track/ )

Questions? Let me know at: [e-mail]

Very best, Mike

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the advice!

What I meant about the 027 switches was about the complaints I've read about them using the track power. I know that you can change them to use auxilary power from the transformer, but then I guess you have to be careful not to park the train on the switch.

The most economical thing I could do is use the 027 track I have for the outer loop (it is the 042) and use the two 042 switches I have already. I would then need about 3 more switches, and could buy additional railroad ties to make it look better on the layout. I'd probably make the inner loop also 042 (or make the outer loop larger, like 054) and use the SuperSnap K-line for the upper line.

I am using 1" pink insulation as a base and adding scenery, so how would you recommend attaching the track to the layout?

Rod

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I know that you can change them to use auxilary power from the transformer, but then I guess you have to be careful not to park the train on the switch.

The Lionel switches require a bit of work to get them to take aux power. But as far as parking a car on them goes, with track power, you don't want to leave a car parked on them as they will hum constantly. I assume the same would be true when used with aux power, but not sure as I've never tried them that way.

The newer Lower profile K-Line 0-27 switches are leaps and bounds ahead of the old Lionel’s. They have actual visible light to tell you which way the switch is thrown, they include a removable jumper to hook up aux power to and they don't hum when a car is parked on them or when one simply travel across.

Same goes for the 042 K-Line switches as well.

[lionelsoni]

If you modify a Lionel O27 switch for accessory voltage, you can eliminate all buzzing and danger of burnout by supplying that voltage as dc from a 5000-microfarad capacitor, charged through a 100-ohm resistor, and fed through a diode from the ac accessory voltage.

[Jim Duda]

If K-Line Shadow Rail is more readily available to you, it is the same profile and appearance as your Snap Track...but you will have to use track pins to mate them. It might give you another option.