Is Menards tubular track compatible with Lionel Tubular track

As far as I know just the cross ties are different (size and spacing).

John

They are compatible. I just ordered a case of 042 and a case of straights from Menards last month. Great prices!

Trainfamily

I have a circle (16 pieces) of O-54 that I would sell for $48.00 + shipping. Also have some O-72 too.

Charlie

The 2 brands are compatible, but in my opinion Lionel track is more durable, especially the center-rail insulators. I recently bought some Menards O-96 curves and could see the difference in quality. Menards track also has fewer ties per section than Lionel track. If you are after O-42 and O-54, you can still find Lionel curves on the used market or maybe even still new. Last I checked, trainz.com had some Lionel O-54 curves.

Whichever brand you buy, I highly recommend checking each section for continuity  before installing it. Put one lead from a meter on the center rail and one on either of the outside rails. If you have continuity, you have a faulty insulator on one of the ties, which will cause a short when you put power to the track.

@BlueComet400 posted:

The 2 brands are compatible, but in my opinion Lionel track is more durable, especially the center-rail insulators. I recently bought some Menards O-96 curves and could see the difference in quality. Menards track also has fewer ties per section than Lionel track. If you are after O-42 and O-54, you can still find Lionel curves on the used market or maybe even still new. Last I checked, trainz.com had some Lionel O-54 curves.

Whichever brand you buy, I highly recommend checking each section for continuity  before installing it. Put one lead from a meter on the center rail and one on either of the outside rails. If you have continuity, you have a faulty insulator on one of the ties, which will cause a short when you put power to the track.

Yup BC400 , I just had a tender board short out with what has been a reliable conventional test track ( 6' × 30 in. ) for a couple of years with the newer Lionel tubular track.   

I  was running a Railking Allegheny steamer  (  it is a heavy engine and  probably contributed to the center rail insulator failing )   found the bad center rail insulator on one piece of curved track AFTER a VOM test.

Straight track cross ties are different on the Menards also.  They may not work with some post war accessories that mount under the track. and rely on the tie spacing to fit.

I use the 36" curved.  It helps on bigger engines even though they are rated for 31"

While I personally haven’t used Menards track for my permanent layout, I have a friend that (using Menards track) has a really larger circle of 072, and another 096, possibly 25 foot by 35 foot layout table and utilizes a 180 watt transformer, Lionel’s Cab 1L control with no issues. I think the track looks good and it is priced right. He has a tight fit at all of the joints. These curves are attached to Lionel’s long straights. I think Menards price points allows more folks to really get started in this great hobby, inexpensive accessories, rolling stock, and now diesels. Question, will Menards offer 036 and 054 and 072 switches at some future date? Great topic. Happy Railroading Everyone

I can't speak for Menards tubular to Lionel tubular, I am using Menards track with Fastrack with the Menards transition track to connect between the two. I have had zero issues with my layout save when it needs to be cleaned. Bonus, you get a little quiet time when the train moves from the fastrack to the tubular track. For the price Menards is for me a better buy compared to what I see at train shows for used Lionel. Most of it looks like someone found it sitting in a leaking shed for years and thinks it's worth a fortune because it's Lionel. If there is an issue with old track bought at a train show you are stuck with it and you most likely paid much more than new Menards track. If you have an issue with Menards track even if you ran it over with your truck Menards will take it back and refund your $ or replace it.

Wondering if Menard's has any plans on making or reproducing the Lionel UCS track?

If they did, I would buy a few as I'm sure they would be priced right.

I wonder if they are allowed or licensed?

No problem interconnecting Menards with Lionel tubular.  When replacing old and corroded tubular, I pry off the cross ties so they can be moved to the Menards curves.  The Menards O-36 looks fine as is.  The larger curve pieces could use additional ties.