Ross Switches and Track, the quietest track system I have ever used. Very happy with the products.
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
Ross Switches and Track, the quietest track system I have ever used. Very happy with the products.
Ditto!!
I started the layout with tubular last December (my first in 40 years). I search all the brands, but decided to stay postwar, since that was what I was collecting. In January of 2015 I purchase a Big Boy, which made me re think my layout. I want larger radius so I ended up switching to Ross and Graves. Going larger radius also requried changing the basic set up of the layout. I went from having 3 pods of 6' wide to 2 with a minimum radius of 072. So in three months I start over.
Comparing tubular to Ross and Gragraves, I wish I had start with Ross and Gragraves.
Soon I'll be posting tubular track and switches for sale.
Built my last layout with Ross switches and sectional curves, with Gargraves. Had trouble with some of the switches where some of my shorter locos would find dead sports in the track and it drove me nuts. Leaning towards going with Atlas, but understand that there is a problem with availability, particularly with the switches. Will make a choice this fall, when I order the first batch of track. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks
Have had Gargraves and Ross switches for 15 years. If I ever do another layout, Atlas and ScaleTrax will get a long look. The only concern would be the overall cost per foot but both are great looking.
Yes, K-line and RMT Snap Track and switches have been super reliable for me and it doesn't look too bad either.
Nothing wrong with 027, I love the lower profile and I would have gone with it too if I didn't have so much Kline snap track.
Originally Posted by brianel_k-lineguy:
MPC Steve, while we might seem in the minority here, there are many still using and happy with 027 track. Count me into that group also.
And there are others....
https://ogrforum.com/t...29#29023674994971129
With all the various track systems out there now: Gargraves, Ross, Curtis, MTH Real and Scale Track, Atlas O, Lionel FasTrack - and last but not least, tubular 0 and 027...
Well, it's little wonder there is so much diversity in a segment of the train hobby that is really not that big, and that for the majority of its' history meant "non-scale" and "toy trains."
Does Ross build all their track products here in the US .... not just the switches?
Thanks
Jim
Originally Posted by Ace:
I'm using old-style conventional 3-rail track and I'm happy with it because:
1) It's strong and reliable
2) It's relatively cheap
3) Many different curve radii for track planning variety
4) It doesn't have the noise issues of plastic roadbeds
5) Excellent electrical conductivity
6) It's somewhat flexible, easier to make final connections than with rigid sections
7) It's still pretty easy to acquire
8) Works with Magne-Traction
9) The old non-derailing switches are reliable, durable, convenient for operation
The only down side is appearance, but even that qualifies as "traditional" and it looks right with my mostly Postwar trains.
What he said! I don't always run postwar...but when I do I prefer Lionel XX.
I was going to answer "Yes" thinking that was a unique and clever answer, but seeing the number of responders who have said exactly that, I'll just go with the following formula:
Care when building the bench-work and sub-roadbed
+ Ross switches
+ Gargraves track
+ Patience and attention to detail when laying the track in the first place
= Smooth, almost derailment free running.
Leaving any of the above out and you'll have problems.
Yes. For 15 years, I've been pleased with 027 track and 027 curves. I've always run short-wheel-base everything and this track is very forgiving because my layout base (about 14 1/2 inch foam boards covering a raised crawlspace) isn't even.
I use Fastrak on a carpet central and I am fairly pleased with it. Others have complained about the noise and I do not find that to be a problem as it is quieted by the carpet. I have had some conductivity issues that I solved with jumper wires. The other issue I had was that some pieces would come apart while running trains. I followed a suggestion that I found on this forum of drilling a hole on the road bed on each joining piece and holding the track pieces together with small electrical tries. This method works great in solving the problem of track coming apart. What I like about this track is that even if someone steps on it no harm is done to it.
Very happy. Lionel postwar tubular 031 and 072 blended on the layout. Yard tracks are 027 tubular - the low profile looks good in the yard area. 12 022 switches and 2 711 switches complete the system. Using 500+ Moondog ties of which I bought several sealed bags cheap on eBay.
Yes, Den Layout is 6' X 8' with a long side passing siding starting on the ends.
This one is MTH Realtrax and is working fine despite having only one lockon (power Drop) on the far end. Running DCS and TMCC together. (I did break the loops center rails at the far end)
2 years old but same track was in use for 5 years at the old location and it's still going strong.
New Layout in Progress:
I'm with Rich Battista on this one. MTH Scaletrax with 2 exceptions, 2 Ross switches because Scaletrax doesn't have O-72 Wye's yet.
You must hold the Scaletrax Flex tracks to believe how easy they flex. I can even straighten them back out.
No, then yes. I had every piece of FasTrack to complete my attic layout. Before the first piece was laid, I bailed-out and sold it all. One word; noise.
Currently (several cases of ) 37" stainless steel GarGraves (rigid and flex) with 22 Ross switches.
Almost yes . . .
Happy with the 900+ feet of Atlas sectional track and 46 Atlas turnouts. However, I have had to replace the wire jumpers (underneath) on about 10 Atlas turnouts.
Not as happy with the 12 RCS curved turnouts. To be fair, I have compared my RCS turnouts with other RCS turnouts, and mine must have been a bad batch, because the others looked much better workmanship-wise. My RCS cause some derailments, but none for the Atlas.
Rich B. wrote, in part:
You guys don't know what you are missing! ScaleTrax all the way!
I agree, Rich; and if ScakeTrax had been more readily available when I built my layout four years ago, I would have used it.
Alex
Yes...happy with GarGraves!
Yes, Yes, I am. 
Jim
For O-gauge I'm going with Lionel tubular (all O-72) and RMT O-72 switches. Their low-profile switch machines really help maximize space. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I'd still really love to see someone make a #4 switch that is truly tinplate-compatible, meaning it will accommodate the prewar locos with the large drive gear.
For Standard Gauge, it's going to be a mix of USA Track, Kris Model Trains, and Ross Switches. I haven't started laying track yet, but I can tell already those Ross SG switches are going to be amazing!!
I will always use Gargraves/Ross. Cant' get better than that. Don
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went from gargraves/ross/row to atlas O 10-12 years ago...23 7.5 switches, 22 #5 switches,about 1500-1600' track...never looked back...a big yes to this day-jim
For Blue Comet 400
Did you look at the ROSS TINPLATE # 4.
I had 4 of them last year on my layout. They look like an K line 0-72 does. Same Rails as Lionel-K-line.
Amazing how a simple "Yes or No" question as evolved into 100 responses, and three pages.
I have and like Gargraves/Ross but the Atlas track that Chugman has is really really nice.
If I had to do over I would likely chose Atlas.
Philisophically (sp) the track chooses you!
Great responses by everyone! It gives good insight as to why people are happy with the track they chose. Good posts!
Matt
Realtrax here. Many miles and many years. Never had any issues.
You betcha! Especially since I ditched the modern switches in favor of the vintage Marx pieces!
O-27 all the way!
I was a long time RailTrax user who switched to Ross track and switches last year when I started rebuilding my layout. Both systems have their strong points. I think all systems have their strong points. Some look better than others, though I realize that is a personal thing, and others are easier to manage or run quieter. At some point you have to pick and not look back. I am very happy with the 'switch' I made (sorry, couldn't help myself).
I used Lionel tubular "O' gauge track for years with Johnson's rubber roadbed. I loved it. I thought it worked great.
I have 0-27, O, and Super O. Of coarse I'm not happy
I still need GarGraves Phantom Rail to have every type 3rail track from my youth
Yes, new-made Lionel O gauge which is very strong, various curve radiuses available, easy to clean and my vintage trains like it. Looked at the various new fancy tracks made today but for the price I wasn't impressed. The plastic base was a turn off and the connector systems looked cheap. If I need a 3" piece of track I can cut it. If I did go with modern, I would use Gargraves.
To Larry3railtrains,
Through this forum (thanks guys!!) I learned that the new Rossplate switches aren't truly tinplate compatible. I also had a very nice and informative conversation with Steve at RCS, who also told me those switches won't accommodate the "large gear" prewar locos such as the 253, 263, 265 etc. While I was disappointed to learn this, I also very much appreciated Steve's honesty. Apparently those locos won't make it through the switch's frog without derailing. I asked him what it would take to make the switches work with these locos and he said it would probably add $30-$40 to the price of the switch. I for one would pay the extra if it meant having a switch that works--and I bet others here would too. Thanks for the suggestion Larry--I appreciate it very much.
Yes! Old fashioned Lionel O-gauge tubular. Started at age 8 with O-27, had some MTH Realtrax for a while, but by my teenage years I had got rid of that and "upgraded" to O-gauge. As it has been said, it's easy to work with. I can cut it with a hacksaw to make custom lengths (important to a kid who needed to maximize every inch of the 4'x8' sheet of plywood he was limited to 
), available in a wide selection of radii (added an o-42 loop about the same time I got my first 15" passenger cars), but it has a good amount of give so it doesn't have to fit just right, and very important when I was growing up (and still actually) it's dirt cheap! even the switches and accessory tracks can be picked up cheap and with a little cleaning will work just fine. had it screwed down when I had a layout, but I tightened up the ends with some pliers and it works fine on the carpet central in my apartment!
Originally Posted by RRaddict2:
Yes, K-line and RMT Snap Track and switches have been super reliable for me and it doesn't look too bad either.
I would go with RMT switches if they made an 042 switch as I like the old style of tubular track. K-Line switches are good but not in good supply.
Lee Fritz
phillyreading. K-line did make an 0-42 "O" gauge switch. There are a few for sale on E bay NOW, both new and used.
I had 3 on my previous layout. That worked great. Take a look right hand side of pic
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Originally Posted by Larry3railtrains:
phillyreading. K-line did make an 0-42 "O" gauge switch. There are a few for sale on E bay NOW, both new and used.
I had 3 on my previous layout. That worked great. Take a look right hand side of pic
Larry,
I have a pair of K-Line switches in 042 manual throw.
Western Depot used to sell new K-Line switches, some were left over stock from before Lionel take-over of K-Line.
Right now I am waiting on my new layout set-up before buying any track or switches.
Lee Fritz
Originally Posted by EBT Jim:
Does Ross build all their track products here in the US .... not just the switches?
Thanks
Jim
Yes .... it is all made here in the United States. And, that mattered to me when I built my present layout.
Very happy with all the Ross products .... switches and track. Appearance, sound, etc. The variety of the switches is what first brought me to Ross.
But, I was also very happy with my previous Fastrack layout .... that stuff is pretty awesome in its own way.
Paul
As long as you keep replacing the track people walk on and break I am very happy with it.
Originally Posted by AXP889:
Yes! Old fashioned Lionel O-gauge tubular. Started at age 8 with O-27, had some MTH Realtrax for a while, but by my teenage years I had got rid of that and "upgraded" to O-gauge. As it has been said, it's easy to work with. I can cut it with a hacksaw to make custom lengths (important to a kid who needed to maximize every inch of the 4'x8' sheet of plywood he was limited to ), available in a wide selection of radii (added an o-42 loop about the same time I got my first 15" passenger cars), but it has a good amount of give so it doesn't have to fit just right, and very important when I was growing up (and still actually) it's dirt cheap! even the switches and accessory tracks can be picked up cheap and with a little cleaning will work just fine. had it screwed down when I had a layout, but I tightened up the ends with some pliers and it works fine on the carpet central in my apartment!
I too started out young with Lionel 031 tubular track and I am staying with tubular track! Tubular track is much easier to work with and don't have the issues plastic roadbed track. You can cut & fit tubular track very easy. 027 track is nice but I would go with Gargraves then 027 anymore.
Lee Fritz
