Need (A lot) of help/advice moving from O tubular to Gargraves

I can't comment on using Gargraves with all of your accessories but just realize Gargraves makes adapter pins so you can mate 027 and 031 to their track. Might be easier to use the tubular next the accessory when Gargraves would require modification to make work. You could make the two blend by adding some ties and ballast.

Pete

Before you buy Gargraves switches I would urge you to consider Ross Custom switches. They match Gargraves track perfectly and are far superior to the Gargraves switches. Plus, they carry a life time guarantee. The selection is incredible. As far as your Lionel accessories there is no problem adapting them to Gargraves track. They make an uncouple-unload section that you can use for your operating cars. On occasion, you may have to use a short transition tubular piece eg. with the bascule bridge. I have used Gargraves Phantom Rail track, Ross Custom switches and Midwest cork roadbed on my layout which is now 33 years old. The service from both Gargraves and Ross is excellent. And, both products are made in America. Email me at milt@paiger.org if you have any questions.

This layout was done with Gargraves flex track, used Gargraves and Ross switches.  All material was used.  Click on the underlined to link a slideshow, (60 photos) 

GG switches are just fine; I have both Ross and GG and like both. Most of my GG are rather old, and did not come with switch machines back then. I added them "by hand" and soldering iron (real model RR'ing!). I do have some modern, Z-Stuff-equipped GG switches, and a Ross yard set. My pre-curved track is Ross (or Curtis). I do like the "spikes" on the Ross/Curtis trackage. Some Lionel 042 radius (027 profile) in the yards (kinda buried). All good.

GG track can be adapted to Lionel accessories I imagine; remember that the outside rails come insulated from each other (wood ties), not the other way around. Built-in "insulated sections"....

The GG (or Ross) ties can be removed and/or shifted to make GG useable in certain Lionel situations. I paint all my track/switches (sprayed before laying) in a dark dirty rust color, as most track that I see is this color (flat Camo Brown; Krylon/R'Oleum). Ties and all. Foam sanding block afterwards.

GG/Ross rails are tin-plated steel, and tin is made for soldering. Some solder is tin. If you have painted it first, scrape the paint off the spot to be soldered (but you know that).  

Ross Switches with Gargraves track are superb.  Mating Gargraves track with O tubular track will require some track shimming of the Ross Gargraves combination.

My Lionel accessories are very happy in the Trackside Industries section of my Run Room that has Lionel's 0 track and turnouts.  See the Photo Tour and other information on my website.

Gargraves and Ross is the perfect match. I've had Gargraves starting in 1953. I would suggest you go to the gargraves web site http://www.gargraves.com/onlinestore.html and look at their videos. You will need to cut some of your track and I would say the easiest way is with a Dremel tool with a large cutting disc. Wear safety  glasses. Also go to the Ross web site and check out all the many switches they offer. http://rossswitches.com.  They cost more but are worth every penny. Gargraves makes the rail and ties for Ross so they match perfectly. Hope this helps and don't be shy about asking questions. Don

Any learning curve is in laying flex track curves and more involved turnout wiring for some turnouts(less is done ahead of time to facilitate more custom uses than Lionel, etc.). There are various ways to accomplish a nice bend; I.e. the flex part shouldn't be taken too literally. It takes some effort by hand, so many folks use pegs and curved jigs to aid them.

Pre bent are the same as any other track for the most part.

    GG/Ross has been the uppershelf standard and a bang for the buck since the shelf was put up, very few folks don't love it.

Stick with Ross switches and Gargraves, Atlas or Ross track.  All make sectional track if your not interested in bending flex track.

But Ross switches is a must!

I loved my GarGraves track and switches. Plan to use GarGraves exclusively again when the time comes to lay track.

Try one switch from each, GarGraves and Ross. Set up a test spur, shove/pull cuts through them with an engine and decide for yourself which is the best value.

Andre

Two layouts back I had all Gargraves track and switches. Over twenty switches. I kept hearing about Ross. Replaced one switch and never looked back. Changed all of them out with Ross. I did hear the Gargraves has improved their switches but I love Ross. I even have the four way switch. Don

I use Gargraves track and ross switches. The guys have made special track for me for bridges which has 3 inch ties and I've used a lot of trestle track which of course  has 5 rails. For switches I recommend  Ross . I have over 100 on my layout. They match up great with Gargraves track. 

@Susan Deats posted:

Ross Switches with Gargraves track are superb.  Mating Gargraves track with O tubular track will require some track shimming of the Ross Gargraves combination.

My Lionel accessories are very happy in the Trackside Industries section of my Run Room that has Lionel's 0 track and turnouts.  See the Photo Tour and other information on my website.

Susan, all I can say is, "I am not worthy; I am not worthy", lol. Wow, what a "run room" you have. I'm guessing the peeps that walk in and see what you've done are more than knocked out, as I would be. Did you do some, most, all or none of the work. Actually, I know from a few of your posts that you are well-versed in O gauge ideation, repairs, upgrades and all the rest. A deep bow to you!

Wow, thanks very much for all the great responses.  Each one is very much appreciated.  I will be checking out the Ross switch website for certain.  Some fantastic layouts for certain.  Thanks again, Harry

There is a lot of Ross turnouts that cover most track designs. I have that on my layout too.

I have seen Atlas trackage used on a number of layout. The rails are solid metal instead of tubed, better conductivity and stronger.. However, there are not the same amount of turnout options as with Ross.

Interested in 072,054,042 curves and straight track if thinking of selling. Thanks 

At one time Ross had issues with throw bars.  Ross has supplied new throw bars.  A concern when purchasing used Ross Switches.    Material used to solder the small pins necessary for move-able point attachment caused the throw bars to deteriorate.  Patience, and some luck, you can replace a throw bar, without removing, the turnout from a layout.  

There are a lot of choices, Ross switches. This project used a Curtis, (early Ross) (4 way) switch, a couple of 105's, and a couple of double slips for a Yard module.  Click on the underlined phrase for a slideshow.   All switches shown, are used. 

My last layout used Ross track and switches as well as some long Gargraves straights and uncoupling tracks.  Here's the track plan including Ross track part numbers.  It fit on a 6 X 15 layout.  The outer loop was O-64 and inner loop O-54.   BTW- -by putting one of Ross' "fitter" pieces between the switches that connected the outer and inner loops, I obtained excellent clearance on curves even when running a long locomotive like the MTH FP-45 or ES44AC.