K-Line Supersnap Track

Dan Padova,

   No real down side to the Shadow SS Track, except maybe the ties after many screw downs can get over sized holes in them, I was never fond of the 90 Degree crossing as my 800 series Tin Plate crossed over them.  However every thing runs quite well on this particular Track, I foolishly sold all my K-Line SS Track and Low voltage Switches and I do regret it today.  I do think you can transition in and out of FasTrack Command Control Switches with the Shadow SS Track, with some small alterations.

All in all seriously good stuff.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks Dave.  I see the spellcheck didn't like my correct spelling of Supersnap.  Let's see what happens with this post.....LOL

I am considering buying some for my new layout which has tubular "O" gauge that I just installed.  I happened across the listing on Ebay and kind of like it.  Now would be a good time to do so as I have no scenery or other details to cope with yet.  

One more question.  Is the K-Line SS track stainless steel ?

If you want to use tubular O gauge track, my experience is that K Line Super Snap  track works well, is easy to put together, and looks good as tubular track goes.  It has the same high profile as Lionel tubular track. To me the biggest downside is availability, especially when it comes to short sections of straight track and wide diameter curved sections ( 72" or larger).  This could be a problem if you later decide to expand your track set up. Ross makes switches that are compatible to O gauge tubular track. If you don't have it already, you will need a connection to your power source, as the traditional Lionel track connector is not compatible with this track.  K Line made this connector track piece, but I don't know about its availability.

K Line Shadow Rail track is similar to Super Snap except that it uses traditional track pins rather than the snaps found on Super Snap.  Many have removed the snap clips from the Super Snap sections and inserted track pins for use with Shadow Rail track or Lionel tubular track. This is easy to do.

Bob

Interesting Bob.  I typically solder my power leads to the rails.  That was one of the reasons I asked if the track was stainless steel.  The other is that I am running mostly post-war locos with Magne-Traction.  

My Super Snap track boxes do not say what material the track is made of, but I doubt that it is SS.  As  an alternative to a solder connection you could use a K line K-0690 Lockon.  I may have an extra if you want it.

I like your quote, as I have always been a huge Churchill fan.

Bob

Dan,

   My Super Snap Track was not Stainless Steel, I do not know if they ever really made any.  I do remember a special K-0690 lock on, however we never used it and soldered drop leads either under or right to the side of the SS Track.  

Your post War engines and rolling stock will work perfectly on K-Line SS Track.

Availability of the Track will be a problem, no doubt about it. RMT might have some Super Snap Track, never looked into it myself.  I would definitely check with them for availability.

PCRR/Dave

I use Shadow Rail/Super Snap because it is easy to interface with Lionel 0 gauge operating tracks and post war accessories.  It looks pretty good and trains run quieter than other tracks.

I sure would like to see someone resume production of this track, especially the switches. Other than a few electrical quirks that are easily fixed, they are still, as far as I can tell, the only switches on the market that are compatible with all O-gauge trains, new and old. 

As mentioned by GABOB, putting O31 pins in snap track is a breeze and I have done this to mine.  Curves are O31.  Walter at RMT sells the switches.  I use snap track for my Christmas layout and like it a lot.

BC400,

   It is top shelf track IMO, however newer low voltage FasTrack type Command Control Switches for plug and play, to go along with the Shadow Track is also needed, to bring the full layout package into the modern era.

You can however transition in and out of FTCC Switch using the old K-Line Shadow Super-Snap Track.  When I came home from New England I needed to lighten the shipping load/cost so I sold the entire K-line/Lionel Conventional tubular layout.

Even at that time acquiring the SS track and switches was a problem, the inventory was quite small.  However looking back the sale was a very foolish mistake on my part.

PCRR/Dave

It's a great track system, Dan! I use both K-Line SuperSnap and ShadowRail track on my layout. After several rounds of build-dismantle-repeat, I found that a few pieces of the SuperSnap track developed loose electrical connections. I slipped in some standard O gauge track pins and the problem was solved. As GABOB mentioned above, Ross made RossPlate switches that look (and perform) great with SS and SR. Greatest disadvantage to SS and SR is finding a steady supply.

Dan at one time K-line made 0-31, 0-42, 0-54 and 0-72.  I think they also made 0-81 and 0-120

They made 0-31, 0-42 and 0-72 switches and had planned to make 0-54 when they went under.  

I use 0-31 Snap Track and shadow rail on my little layout.  I love K-line track.  I even had K-line 0-27 Super Track layout years ago.  Around 1996  It had Brown plastic ties like the Black 0-31 

I use the RMT version, or more accurately remake, of Supersnap track for my carpet layout, which gets laid down and taken up 6 - 7 times a year. For that purpose it is superior to any other track system I have tried, including both Fastrak and the Atlas plastic ties track system. 

Availability: The small radius curved track itself comes up on fleabay pretty often but not the switches or certain other accessories (lock-ons, long sections of straights, lighted bumpers etc.) that were once provided in quantity by either K-Line or RMT. I don't foresee the entire track system being re-issued/re-stocked any time soon.

There is only one major downside I have found and that is the switches (at least the O-72 ones) have a problem about shorting and/or derailing for some steamers. This is a well documented issue that has been present since K-Line started making this track system and curing it is relatively easy once you read how although a nuisance if you have to do it to several switches. 

I have used SuperSnap at Christmas time for maybe 15-18 years.  Like it!    The only negative I have found is that the plastic loop on one end tends to brittle & break with age.  I kinda saw that coming when I bought it.

    I thought it was Super O when I first saw it on a pals layout. I didn't assemble it, but really like the look and performance.  I would buy it over most other sectional choices. I'd need some more thoughtful run time to skip over Super O in nice shape though.

About 50% of my big layout is Shadow rail and Super Snap. Looks good and runs good.  I am building up another small layout (4 x 6) and it will be almost all Super Snap. I just wish it were available again as I have recently had to buy off eBay.