What people use for track survey.

[Reading T-1]

Atlas track for per layout and real track for temp layouts.

[IronHoarse]

FasTrack for me.

[phillyreading]

Using GarGraves track and switches for my outside mainline 042 curves, O gauge tubular 042 curves for the next two tracks with plastic ties inserted underneath from either 3R Plastics or Moondog Plastic and a combination of 027 and Gargraves 032 curves for the inside line near my S gauge track which is mainly Gargraves 42.5 inch curves and Gargraves straight track with a few K-Line straight sections.  Using Gargraves and 027 for the second level and 027 on Ogre Pass as I call it, using 027 for the upper around the room train which is just being started as far as construction goes.  Laying track at floor level on one inch by four inch boards one inch thick, one piece is ten feet long, others are eight feet long or cut to fit, running an auxillary power wire all the way around the upper track with power connectors every three or four track sections.

The reason I like Gargraves track is that it looks more realistic and the switches are dependable unlike current production Lionel tubular switches, also switch motors can be replaced very easy by ordering more online at Ross Switches, and you don't have to worry which way to mount the switch motor so you can get track clearance near the switch.

The only draw back to GarGraves Track is when you have a major derailment with a heavy locomotive as the track is a little softer than tubular.  Another note about Gargraves curves and they are larger than tubular curves rated at the same size; example 031 in Gargraves is close to 032.5 inches, 042 in Gargraves is close to 043 inches.

Lee F.

[otftch]

I use 027 tubular only.Lionel 27,42.54 inch radius with 027 and 042 lionel switches.I have added ties and painted the rails.It looks good and runs great.Other than short wheelbase stalling I've not had any of the problems I see here on the forum.

                                                                 Ed

[palallin]

Gargraves (with Atlas O for bridge track) on the permanent layout.  {Side note:  Peco On30 for the narrow gauge line, assuming anyone is interested.}

O27 Tublular (in O27, O34, O42) for the display and Christmas layouts as well as the ones the boys use on the floor.

SG Tubular for the Standard Gauge Christmas layout.

Since we were given permission to rant , I will not use Fastrack for ANYTHING for ANY REASON because it is thoroughly ugly--I cannot abide the U-section rails--and far too expensive for what one gets.  I have no desire whatever to further enrich MTH, so I do not use any MTH track.  Had I the bucks, I might have gone all the way with Atlas O for the standard gauge line on the permanent layout.

[cnw1995]

I use 027 tubular track with 027 curves and switches. I have a loop of pre-war 'regular' O track with a few pieces of  K-Line O Snap-track.

[dwiemer]

Fastrack for all my current layout.  I do however, plan to have a loop of O27 tubular for a sub layout under the main for my son.  I also plan to have a loop of Lionel G track for a Thomas set. 

Chief Fastrack switches also have the ability to have switch mechanism moved from one side to the other.  It is a easy process.

Dennis

[Old King Coal]

Selected various track for certain applications:

Atlas track for my mobile train display.  Liked the nickel silver content as it won't rust or corrode, the solid rail for it's durability, and it's overall look when ballast is applied.

Lionel Fastrack for the trainroom lower layout.  With it's many turnouts and reverse loops, I found the Fastrack to be superb and reliable in regular & low speed operations.  No stalling over switches or corssovers, and the smooth operation of both powered remote & manual switches, make Fastrack a reliable winner.

Lionel 027 profile tubular with O-42 radius corners for the two overhead mainlines.  The best "bang for the buck" in laying down a lot of rail.  Just drag the rail cleaner around it for about 15 minutes when required, and this seems to keep the freight moving along for the most part.

I know it sounds like a mixed bag, but it works for me.

Best to all in "trains & trolleys", ...... Dave

[laz 57]

Fasttrack in 0-72, 0-48.  Lionel tubular in 0-27, 0-42, 0-54.

laz57

[ChiefEagles]

Realtrax.  If I was doing it over, Fasttrac.  Only advantage to to Realtrax switches is the ability to "swop" sides with switch machines which has helped in a couple of places.

[lmsjim]

FasTrack 100%

[Anonymous]

I use Fast Track and Real Trax. I love my FT and can't stand the RT.

[sir james I]

Gargraves, it looks good and I like the real wood ties

[anjdevil2]

I use Fastrack & tubular.  Like stated before, the god awful expensive switches are great, but tubular is definitly quieter and more traditional.  My Christmas layout is also a mix, as the O-27 curves are much better suited to my Christmas scenes.

[Joe Hohmann]

FasTrack on my layout, Gargraves on one of my Christmas layouts (would use FasTrack if it came in O27), FasTrack on the 2nd Christmas layout, Gargraves on my "club" modules.

FasTrack is great for something that will need to be moved (quick/easy connect). Track like Gargraves, once "rusted" and ballasted, looks great. I can honestly say, FasTrack is why I decided to build a "year-'round" 5x8 layout. Joe

[thor]

Mainline(!) FasTrack with some 0-27 and tubular for little used sidings and branch lines. Tubular is best for uncouplers (the older stuff has bigger magnets) overhead lines and anywhere you need a bit of fiddling to make it work. FasTrack switches are far better though but awfully expensive.

(Main line is a pretentious term for Carpet Central)

[luther_stanton]

Primarily Atlas with some O tubular for spurs / sidings with accessories.

[CNJfan]

I went wish Atlas track. Very happy with the realistic profile and look along with being quiet too. Tim C.

[lionel2986]

The O-27 with brown ties :)

[joetrains]

   Time tested terrific TUBULAR

[Anonymous]

I use K Line Supersnap tubular track. Black plastic wood ties, black center rail, snaps together but is also compatible with O gauge lionel. Switches are quick, smooth, and very low profile.

[magicman710]

Hey, this is a survey on what type a track you use, whether it be fastrack, atlas, gargraves, realtrax or the time-tested tubular or other, say it here.

 

Opinions and comments and complaints about other track systems is also welcome.

(Disclaimer- I have no objection about what your track system is, its your choice to go with what you want, however, you may yell at each other for each others choice. )

Grayson