Whilst scrolling through a back issue of OST I ran across and add for the Old Pullman Model Railroads Inc. Are they making good quality products? I believe they were popular about 50 years ago? Is it a good brand that will be reliable and sturdy? How do they hold up to say Atlas or ME? I have these questions since I'm debating if I want to do 2-rail on my layout, and need to decide on flex track/switches or handlaid. Any help is appreciated!
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They haven't been operating in a while. I've built a couple of their freight car kits several years ago.
Their flex track was similar to ME as I recall.
If you're going to use flex, Atlas is a little easier to flex than Micro Engineering, but the ME track has a better pricing point. There's a switch builder, Signature Switch Company who makes some beautiful turnouts and does custom work. There's also Fast Tracks if you want to "roll your own". I have a friend who has built track and turnouts using their jigs and they turned out great.
Thanks, I was wondering as I had previously heard of them.
This in not a company that was around 50 years, maybe 20. It is probably a new version of an old company. As you say, however, the owner may have retired.
I stand corrected! I just looked at their website, and it says since 1965 which is 48 years. so the company name has been around for quite awhile. I think it changed hands more than once in that time.
there was another rail/switch make called "Right-o-Way". It was owned by a fellow named Lou Cross. he may have been the one making the cast points and frogs. I am pretty sure he has retired.
I love the Old pullman dummy switch machines. MUCH better than the keil line ones! make for some great detailing projects!
The Atlas track and switches are easy to use for sure and pretty available.
However, I personally don't like the way the track looks, and I don't like the oddball switch sizes. To me the rail looks too thick and heavy. The height is ok, but the width looks clunky to me. And they do a #7.5 and a #5 switch in right and left. I prefer to use #4 and #6 and #8, which I think are more common. It is easier to mix and match. The ME track to me looks more prototypical. This is personal taste, not a product complaint.
Re: the oversized Atlas switches.
If you cut down the frog and guard rails they can look a lot better.
You can also substitute R of W Guard rails as in this photo of two Atlas #7.5 switches, one out of the box and the other with the frog cut down and Lou Cross R of W guards.
When you find an OP turnout you must hold it up level to your eye and sight the rail head from the points through the frog. Many times you will see the sharp point tip is canted to one side or the other. This will cause the flange to pick and derail.
I have replaced some OP frogs with ROW frogs.
I was told their sub assembly frog jig was adjustable in some fashion which could yield a less than correct frog alignment. Also fully assembled OP turnouts may need some regauging.
Tom very nice..that's what I was talking about alright, and it does make a big difference IMHO.
I'd echo Tom's words of caution on OP turnouts. Adherence to NMRA specs on track gauge wasn't always assured. I have one OP #8 double slip switch on the railroad that after rework does operate reliably. For reason of appearance, cost, and the ability to customize (feathering into curve easements) I hand layed most of my turnouts using Louis Cross' Right- O-Way castings. For reason of time saving in hidden areas I used AtlasO " 7.5's. I wouldn't use them today even in hidden areas due cost and robustness issues - (poor electrical connections to frog, problematic gaps, weak throw bar). Fortunately today you have choices other than Old Pullman and AtlasO. I'd recommend consideration of turnouts offered by Oscale Turnouts Inc. I haven't used one but they look great and have a wide selection.
Ed Rappe
I used the Old Pullman switch kits for my last big 2-rail O layout back in the early 90s. Beat Hug was the owner then, and he would supply any special order configuration you wanted.
With proper measuring and spiking, they operated flawlessly. Back then, they were also one of the few games in town when it came to switches. Only the Atlas/Roco ready-made switches (the long #5s, not the 24" radius ones) could compare - and they were highly sought after and almost worth their weight in gold to some. 
Jim
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