Best Track

I'd go with USA LLC Track.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

I'd go with USA LLC Track.

Steve

I agree and if you join SGMA, USA normally offers a discount to SGMA members.

Also, USA offers a variety of custom track including track with extra ties, super long track and curved track of numerous radii so be sure to ask about it before you make your track plan.

Bob Nelson

Thanks guys! what about switches? Is there a good source old or new for standard gauge track plans or make it up as you go?

I agree with everyone on USA track definitely.  You may want to ask what switches SGMA uses. 

I was under the impression that Ross was the preferred choice for switches? That is what I was planning, my understanding is that there isn't anything better than Ross?

Tim

Ross would be a good choice I'm not sure they make a standard gauge switch? 

Ross currently makes O-72 and #4 switches in Standard Gauge.  Both products come with LGB-style switch machines, and Ross had them at York a couple of weeks ago.  Looked to be VERY outstanding products!!!  

David

Thanks guys. Yes agreed Ross is a great product. I am looking for that pre war green base color for the switches. Chris congrats on your layout being in OGR magazine.

lChris Lonero posted:

I agree with everyone on USA track definitely.  You may want to ask what switches SGMA uses. 

Several SGMA members worked with Ross during the development process of their Standard Gauge switches to test them.  The consensus was that Ross Standard Gauge switches are so good that they are the only switches, which SGMA now permits to be inserted into our previously "switchless" outer mainline.  Everything goes through them flawlessly.  Definitely the way to go!

Bob Nelson

navy.seal posted:

lChris Lonero posted:

I agree with everyone on USA track definitely.  You may want to ask what switches SGMA uses. 

Several SGMA members worked with Ross during the development process of their Standard Gauge switches to test them.  The consensus was that Ross Standard Gauge switches are so good that they are the only switches, which SGMA now permits to be inserted into our previously "switchless" outer mainline.  Everything goes through them flawlessly.  Definitely the way to go!

Bob Nelson

Great.   USA track and Ross switches that's the way to go! 

Excellent choice. Both are great products and their owners are great to work with and very helpful. Thanks to Ross and USA Track, running SG trains has never been better. 

BlueComet400 posted:

Excellent choice. Both are great products and their owners are great to work with and very helpful. Thanks to Ross and USA Track, running SG trains has never been better. 

Thank you for the responses. For switches I do want the traditional pre-war green base color so I might forgo Ross for the time being.

Seacoast posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

Excellent choice. Both are great products and their owners are great to work with and very helpful. Thanks to Ross and USA Track, running SG trains has never been better. 

Thank you for the responses. For switches I do want the traditional pre-war green base color so I might forgo Ross for the time being.

George,

I'm with you on the look of the pre-war switches. No doubt they look nostalgic, but function-over-form is extremely critical to smooth--and safe--train operation. Nothing compares to the Ross SG switches. The trains roll right through them as smoothly as can be, and when you also consider the smaller footprint of the LGB switch machine--which can be mounted on either side of the switch--these switches are hard to beat. I have them on the SG loop on my layout, and they are without a doubt one of the best purchases I've made for my trains. 

BlueComet400 posted:

Seacoast posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

Excellent choice. Both are great products and their owners are great to work with and very helpful. Thanks to Ross and USA Track, running SG trains has never been better. 

Thank you for the responses. For switches I do want the traditional pre-war green base color so I might forgo Ross for the time being.

George,

I'm with you on the look of the pre-war switches. No doubt they look nostalgic, but function-over-form is extremely critical to smooth--and safe--train operation. Nothing compares to the Ross SG switches. The trains roll right through them as smoothly as can be, and when you also consider the smaller footprint of the LGB switch machine--which can be mounted on either side of the switch--these switches are hard to beat. I have them on the SG loop on my layout, and they are without a doubt one of the best purchases I've made for my trains. 

Very tempting visa a vie the Ross . The look I want is that of a traditional pre war ww2 standard gauge layout. For some odd reason I find the green bases very appealing. Do the MTH/ Lionel switches have issues ?

The only down side of the Ross switch is that are not electrically non derailing. I like to run routes with one switch controlling another. The switches allow a train to plow through a switch thrown in the wrong direction.

The 42" MTH (Lionel) switches are a copy of the prewar Lionel switch. They are said to work OK. The only flaw I am aware of is that the internal wiring is too thin and a derailment/short can cause the wire connecting the center rails to vaporize. This happened to our museum on a 72" switch and I assume the internal wiring is the same gauge on the 42". The 72" switches are another story. They are so poorly designed that you have to cut up a piece of track with a Dremel tool to make the connecting section. These switches have numerous problems and it can take an hour or more per switch to get them working right. They do look great but they are some of the worst-functioning tinplate switches I have seen or heard of. Avoid them at all costs. I speak from experience. 

George, I do agree with you that the green base is very aesthetically pleasing. You could contact Steve and ask about custom painting the bases green before final assembly? I think it would be a long shot and I would expect a additional charge but if he is willing to do that then you would have the best of both worlds. I had planned on asking about this early on in the planning phase but have since decided to use Gargraves track so the black base is okay .

Tim

Thanks for the input guys