How many still use tubular track

I have a mix of both, my ultimate plans is to have 2 layouts, one toy with tubular (O27, cause that's what I have the most of) and one High-Rail with Fastract, yes Fastract. It can be done and it can be blended in very nicely. And for Christmas I use a loop of Fastract as well. 

O-31 tube!  Plus that 3rd party company company which makes the rubber roadbed which is like the 1950's.  Gives the layout the blackish ballast SP used in the Houston area.  But the 40" straight sections of O-31 are great!

But MARX switches had a great idea.  The switch machines are below the rail level, so one could run longer equipment.  Marx extra tie O-27 profile track was O-34!  And with MARX one can run locos with powered wheels which are close to the edge of the wheel.

There's something besides tubular? 

Curt - I am also looking to change out 027 for 042 or larger but just can't bring myself to dismantle what I have got...so "sitting on the fence" and just running trains at present. The other reason is the cost - you guys would weep if you saw some of the prices over here in England for track and shipping costs from USA can also be scary and I will  say nothing about the $ rate at present !

I think your layout is great and just shows what you can do with 027.

MIKE

Just recently I changed out a troublesome Modern Era Lionel 072 switch for a Prewar 711.  Much smoother operation and running.  Wish Lionel would've gotten the newer switches right from the getgo.  Not like they had to start from scratch.

I am just starting a 36' x 24' all-tubular layout.  Among other highlights are 34 Prewar 711 O72 switches, 11 O22s, 34 UCS sections, 229 O72 curve sections, and 5000 moondog rubber ties.

The look and feel is intended to be that of a very fine postwar layout ... photos of the 1940s-early 1950s NYC showroom layout are my guiding star ... along with some of the fine examples shown in this thread.

I finally began the benchwork just last night.

Steven J. Serenska

tubular man!!!

http://coolestwords.com/conten...s-terms-80%E2%80%99s

Number 4.

Today I keep 2 loops of tubular track to run my old post war engines. It also provides that reminiscent child hood memories of sound and look. I currently use MTH ScaleTrax on my main layout which also includes a loop of Fast Track mixed with GarGraves. I also have a loop of FasTrack, but I am not a fan of it.

Like wow man, my layout is totally tubular!

All tubular- all the time....

Tubulay O and Standard gauge, I like the 36" straights and wider curves although i have a loop of 027 on my small layiout. The only "new" stuff I like it Gargraves the other- not so much especially figuring in the cost. My good O and even Standard gauge just purr going around the layout. track is on indoor carpet and homosote.

When l started this layout in 1999, there weren't too many options especially when it came to switches. But if I started over today, I'd do it the same way. 

GHD posted:

When l started this layout in 1999, there weren't too many options especially when it came to switches. But if I started over today, I'd do it the same way. 

GHD:

That's a great looking layout.  Please do share more pictures, if it's not too much effort.

Thanks.

Steven J. Serenska

If I still had a train layout it would be made with tubular track. I love tubular track. It works perfectly.

When I started my layout 34 years ago, it was tubular or Gargraves.  I used tubular as I wanted a toy train layout.  If I was starting over today, I would do the same thing.  It has been trouble free.  The only other track I like is Fastrack.  It is great to work with but not high in the looks department.

I'm a ways from doing a layout again but to me I have two choices  1 Gargraves with Ross switches or What I have a lot more of is O gauge with O-22 switches. I only like using fastrack for a quick display somewhere and making a small loop. 

When I moved from PA to CA a couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to change my track on the new layout. For several reasons, including cost, I decided to reuse my tinplate track and upgrade to all Ross switches and I am very pleased with the result and would do it again:

.....wait.......WHATTT??.......... is there life after original Lionel Tube toy Track?

I figure ya wanted to see my latest progess on my layout..... I appreciate yous guys!

I like tubular for the simple reason that it's so easy to repair.  I can make insulated sections with my eyes closed.  I can solder to it easily.  It's rugged.  It's cost effective.  If I want to add wood ties to it, it is a no brainer to do.  And believe me, I sometimes wonder if my brain is functioning.....LOL  

O22 switches are almost bullet proof and simple to maintain.  I can buy a bunch of them in need of repair cheaply and cannibalize some to make the rest work well.  

All tubular since 1948.  Not the same batch.  The 1948 batch was replaced completely around 1978.

I am in the process of switching to K-Line Shadow Rail tube track.

I do like the Realtrax for under the tree.

Here is tubular track ballasted with Brennans Ballast.

I am trying to use some O gauge & 027 tubular track with Gargraves track and Ross Custom switches. Gargraves track works well but their switches are not that good after 7 to 8 years of use. Ross Custom switches are my choice for new switches any more. To use Gargraves or Ross track with Lionel, MTH, RMT or Atlas you need adapter pins. With Atlas track you need different adapter pins then with other brands of O gauge track as Atlas track takes a special adapter pin for use with Gargraves or Ross track.

Lee Fritz

Tubular all the way!!

Lionel temporarily stopped making it, But Plenty available from Menards! And I think Williams by Bachmann still makes it as well!

I enjoyed seeing all your tubular layout pictures.