Mixing Track Systems

I am mixing GG, Ross and Atlas tracks on mine. I use Atlas crossovers. 

JD,

   For years I used both FasTrack and Conventional Tubular Lionel Track & Switches on my bigger multi level layouts, it was very convenient before FasTrack Command Control Switches, for me to use old Conventional 711/072 and 022 Lionel switches, it also opened some design engineering doors, on my layout, space wise.  Transitioning in and out of my old Conventional Track & Switches was no big deal with the FT transition pieces, and as you are planning to do, I used most of the O Gauge Conventional Track in places where it was usually not readily seen, and very few people even realized I was transitioning in and out of the old conventional tubular switches, everything running with DCS.   All in all it worked out fine and saved me serious money on not purchasing the Lionel FasTrack 1st Generation switches.  I have to admit wiring my older 711/072 Lionel Switches thru the DCS AIU's, with all the wiring was not the way I wanted to go, however at that time it was the best there was for remote control switches, of course after Lionel invented the FasTrack Command Control switches, I also invested in Legacy for operating full wireless remote control switches.  This Lionel engineering is IMO the real reason to purchase the Legacy/TMCC package.  I eliminated the DCS AIU and all the wiring that goes with it, sold some of my old 072 and 022 Lionel Conventional switches, and added the Lionel wireless Command Control FasTrack Switches, to upgrade the layout.  Blending the different type O gauge Track & Switches together to make the multi-level layout was no big engineering feat, just go slow and do it correctly and your custom built layout will run perfectly.

PCRR/Dave

Yep, did this on my old layout (below). Used Ross and Lionel tubular switches. Used a combination of O Gauge Tubular and O27 tubular as well. Worked great. 

My current layout uses a combination of O and O27 tubular. All switches/crossovers are Ross. There is a short section of Gargraves flex track as well. 

Thanks guys.  

Mixing track sounds like the way I should go.  

SJC,

  Very nice blended engineering layout sir, top shelf stuff!

PCRR/Dave

JD,

  It is a lot of work, but if you want to save the money it works out perfectly, just build correctly, blending everything together, so you do not have any rework to due.

PCRR/Dave

I am using O gauge tubular track on the lower level in the back side with Gargraves track around the sides and front. I have 3 Ross switches on the main track on the lower level & 2 Gargraves switches on a siding.

On the upper level I am using Gargraves track on the outside loop and 027 track on the inner loop with 4 Gargraves switches being used for a cross over and secondary loop.

Lee Fritz

On my layout I mixed lionel tubular 0 gauge including 022 switches with RMT (similar to Atlas). When RMT was going out of business I picked up a fair amount of 20" and 30" sections which I used for my main run (with Lionel 042 curves). Unfortunately RMT is out of business though rolling stock is coming out of a different name.

JohnF

First layout was all 027 tubular track with 042 and 027 curves.  Next layout I used the 042 curves and 3 foot lengths of 027 track for all hidden sections and used GG and Ross for visible track.  Recently I pulled all of the tubular track because I wanted an isolated rail in the hidden portions to signal occupancy.  Mixing was never a problem otherwise and it saved a lot of money up front.  Tubular is still in place in the staging/fiddle yard.  

I use Atlas O and 0-27 profile tubular

Jdevleerjr posted:

My current layout is being done on a tight budget.  I have some Gargraves flex track, some ross curves, and a ton of Lionel O27 track with some O42 and O54 curves.

I was thinking of doing the most visible track that is in the front of the layout with the Gargraves, but in the back on the layout I was thinking of utilizing the O27.  I will be using Ross manual switches, but only plan on having about 4 of them.

Anyone else do this?  I plan to paint the sides of the rails a rust color, and add ties on the O27 track.  I also plan to bury most of the ties with "snow" as I am doing a winter layout.

Anyone else do this?  

I think this is a great plan!  Nicely thought out.... Why not go with it?

I'm able to use nothing but Atlas O - but I would certainly take your approach if I had other track on hand as you do.

Good luck.

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

SJC,

  Very nice blended engineering layout sir, top shelf stuff!

PCRR/Dave

Thanks - I miss that old layout. I never had an issue with the mixed track. I remember getting advice here before expanding and using different track profiles. Just about everyone said "don't do it, you'll be sorry". Never a problem. Glass smooth transitions. I knew one was at a switch and I had to really hunt to find the other one. That layout would've never worked without mixing track styles. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

Wish I corrected the issues with it vs. start over. Of course, the current layout keeps me happy in the rare occasion I run anything. 

Jdevleerjr posted:

I was thinking of doing the most visible track that is in the front of the layout with the Gargraves, but in the back on the layout I was thinking of utilizing the O27...

I am looking at this exact same situation in planning now as I have case quantities of 42, 54, & 72 curve sectional track and more 36" & 40" straight sectional track than I will ever use on the floor and/or at Christmas. My current O-27 layout has the elevated GarGraves section outfitted with 1122/1122(E) switches using the GG to O-27 adapter pins. It has worked well for 45+ years.

Since you said you are putting ties under the tubular track, I'd say you're good to go!

I have mostly Atlas track with 2 10 inch straights from Ross. If I need to replace any  track, switches, I'll call Ross, get it from them. Ross made right here in the U.S.A.!!

I've mixed "O27" and "O" in the past without any issues.  Where the "O" meets the "O27" simply crimp the "O" rail down to size in order to mate with the "O27" track pins.