MTH Standard Gauge Realtrax

I swapped out my tubular track for it (I know it's technically still tubular track) a while ago and I've been pretty happy with it. The track gets assembled & disassembled numerous times throughout the year and I've yet to encounter a dead spot. It's a lot sturdier than the original style track as well and tends to be much more stable when set up on the floor . Unfortunately it's not directly compatible with switches & the like, you'll either have to cut an end off and attach pins or buy the overpriced conversion pieces.

We use it at TCA & TTOS meets so it's set up and taken down twice a month for the past 3-4 years. It has to be assembled correctly or the contacts will get bent. That's one of the problems using it in a club situation. People wanting to help, but not knowing the correct way causing the bent contacts, but only one have we not been able to fix it with needle nose pliers.

Steve

All that assembly and disassembly.  Certainly an impressive "track record".

One of the charms of tinplate trains is the all metal construction, including the track.  Plastic roadbed track works well for floor layouts, but visually, traditional track enhances the look of any layout.  Even Gargraves, with it's wooden ties, can't match the look of black oxide coated metal ties and tinplated rails.  Also, traditional track is available in wider curves and is more easily modified.  Admittedly, the "11-series" Lionel Corporation track imported from China by MTH is junk, but the old "10-series" MTH track manufactured by EBR in New Jersey and our "USA Track" made in Pennsylvania will give years of service.

Also, tinplate track can be easily cut to fit into a layout, I wouldn't want to try that with Realtrax.

Craignor posted:

Also, tinplate track can be easily cut to fit into a layout, I wouldn't want to try that with Realtrax.

If you make clean cuts on two pieces, you can join them with regular track pins.

Steve

Personally, I prefer the pure tubular standard gauge tinplate track with the Johnson black repro Lionel standard gauge roadbed, and I believe it runs quieter than that plastic roadbed.

Thanks to all who have replied. I don't know that I'm going to use this for more than display of my new reproduction Lionel Classics 381 and Colorado, NY and CA passenger cars from 1989, but if I do, it's very helpful to have this knowledgeable input.

Gargraves also runs quieter, and they make sectional curved track as well.

Just checked the Gargraves site and they have discontinued sectional standard gauge track.  Too bad, as I like their track in general.  Still making flex track for standard gauge.

THANKS for the update about the availability of that product! I once used their O gauge stainless O gauge sectional track with the phantom rail, and it worked nicely.