Preferrable O Gauge Track used by Forum Members

There is NO one track system preferred by a majority of O gauge hobbyists.

 

For temporary/floor/toy train layouts, the popular and most available choices include FasTrack, RealTrax, tubular O, tubular O27, and a few others

 

For the hi-rail enthusiast, the track systems most often used are GarGraves, Ross (especially Ross switches w/GarGraves track), Atlas, and MTH ScaleTrax.

 

Although the question has been posed a thousand times here, there is NO consensus regarding a "best" track system.  There is no such thing.  The best you can do here is get a bunch of opinions from a bunch of different folks who have made different choices for different reasons.

 

Best thing to do is to obtain samples of ALL the track systems you might be interested in, and give them a look-see.  Go with what appeals to YOU.

As Allen says.  Having said that, since you already have some money invested in fastrack it is a very reliable track system.

 

Its main drawback is the noise when it is laid directly on plywood. I've found laying inexpensive foam sheets over the plywood prior to laying the track takes care of the noise issue.

 

My layout is similar in dimensions to yours, I'm very happy with the fastrack.

 

 

 

 I still need to weather my track but it even looks fairly decent when the shoulders are ballasted..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of the best pieces of advice you will get.  What is "best" for *YOU* is not necessarily what is best for someone else.  Also, your experience with the exact same setup may be different.  For example, with FasTrack you get some people that can't stand the noise while others wonder what they are talking about.

 

I built a 12x6 table and have a temporary FasTrack layout on it.  I like this approach because I can take it apart and reconfigure it as many times as I want.  When I find a plan I like, I can do something more permanent.  My only regret is that it isn't a bit wider so I can have O72 curves.

Geez Allan, ruin a perfectly good thread with reason and logic! 

 

Jerry

Jerry, perhaps so, but he is right !

 

For a good look at Scaletrax do to www.toytrainsontracks.com

He built a sweet layout using it and also sells DVD's on layout construction. I have the first 2 and they are excellent.

They also contain plenty of footage of trains running on his layout. Those parts show the results of his construction techniques.

In a word: Impressive.

 

PS The worst drawback of Scaletrax is the limited selection of switches. I found a way to match Ross Custom Switches with it. E-mail me if you pick Scaletrax or need more info.

COMPARISON OF AVAILABLE O SCALE 3-RAIL TRACKAGE

ATLAS

Atlas O offers 9 radii (O27, O36, O45, O54, O63, O72, O81, O90, O99, and O108).

Components

straight track 1.75 inch 4.5 inch 5.5 inch 10.0 inch 40.0 inch custom cut     curved track O-27 45° O-45 30° O-63 22.5° O-81 22.5° O-27 22.5° O-45 7.5° O-72 22.5° O-81 7.5° O-36 30° O-54 22.5° O-72 11.25° O-90 22.5° O-36 7.5° O-54 11.25°   O-99 22.5° cut curve custom radius easement O-108 22.5° turnouts 6070/71 O-54 22.5° L/R 6070*/71* cut O-54 22.5° L/R (thru track reduced for yard ladders) 6072/73 O-72 22.5° L/R 6072/73 cut O-72 19.5° L/R (spur reduced for crossovers) 6075/76 O-36 30° L/R 6074 O-72 'Y' 6085/86 O-45 30° L/R 6077/78 O-72 / O-54 33.75°/45° curved L/R 6021/22 #7.5 7.5° L/R 6024/25 #5 11.25° L/R 6024/25 cut #5 (spur reduced for crossovers)

 

 

GarGraves Trackage, Curtis HiRail, and Ross Custom Switches all produce what is referred to as 'GarGraves type track' in that the use GarGraves profile rails, with a blackened center rail, and GarGraves profile wooden or plastic ties. The use of non-conductive material for the ties, in contrast to the metal ties used by Lionel-type tinplate track, effectively renders each track section insulated since the outside rails are not electrically connected by the ties.

Components

straight track (wooden ties) standard (37.25") short ( 6.25") medium ( 12.5") long ( 25.0")   custom cut-to-length straight track (plastic ties) standard (37.25") short ( 6.25") medium ( 12.5") long ( 25.0")   custom cut-to-length curved track (wooden ties) O-32 45° O-80 30° O-120 22.5° O-42 45° O-89 30° O-128 22.5° O-54 45° O-96 30° O-138 22.5° O-63 45° O-106 30° cut stock curve O-72 45° O-113 22.5° easement curve curved track (plastic ties) O-32 45° O-89 30° cut stock curve O-42 45° O-96 30° easement curve O-47 45° O-106 30° turnout transition O-54 45° O-113 30° O-42 turnout makeup and transition curves O-63 45° O-120 30° O-72 turnout makeup and transition curves O-72 45° O-128 22.5°   O-80 30° O-138 22.5°   switches (spur angle in ()) standard (11° O-42 (25.9° R-100 (10° O-72 (19.7° O-54 L/R (23.9° O-72 Wye ±17.3°

 

Lionel has decided to update their O-gauge track offering by bringing out out a new track system, FasTrack. Having gotten nearly 100 years out of the previous tubular track, they have decided to bring out a track system not altogether different from competing products ( see MTH RealTrax), for the next century.

Recognizing the trend from all train manufactures towards larger, scale-dimensioned locomotives, the smallest curve is O36, as was used by Lionel Super O track from the 1950's. Further noting the increased interest in realism and ease of use in the 3-rail O-gauge market, FasTrack has an integrated roadbed, a larger number of scale-sized ties, and a darkened center rail.

Components

 

straight track	1.75 inch 4.5 inch 5.0 inch 10.0 inch 30.0 inch 1.375 inch
curved track	O-36 45° O-48 30° O-60 22.5° O-84 11.25° O-36 22.5° O-48 15° O-72 22.5°   O-36 11.25° O-48 7.5° O-72 11.25° O-31 45°
turnouts	O-36 manual switch 33.75° L/R O-36 remote switch 33.75° L/R O-48 remote switch 30.0° L/R O-60 remote switch 22.5° L/R O-72 remote switch 22.5° L/R O-72 remote Wye ±11.25°

 

MTH Electric trains  (RealTrax) offers sectional three-rail O-gauge track for the O-gauge layout designer. MTH track features solid rails* with a 'phantom' center rail, and snap together assembly and disassembly. MTH integrates a detailed plastic roadbed with all RealTrax® components. Currently, MTH offers five radii (O-31, O-42, O-54, O-72, and O-82) which are interchangeable with the equivalent Lionel O components. MTH offers a transition track section which allows you to join MTH RealTrax with other 3-rail O-gauge track such as Lionel and GarGraves.

*Current production features hollow rails.

Components straight track 40-1018 3.5 inch 40-1017 4.25 inch 40-1016 5.0 inch 40-1012 5.5 inch 40-1001 10.0 inch 40-1019 30.0 inch     curved track 40-1002 O-31 45° 40-1042 O-42 30° 40-1054 O-54 30° 40-1010 O-72 22.5° 40-1022 O-31 22.5° 40-1045 O-42 15° 40-1057 O-54 15° 40-1082 O-82 22.5° turnouts 40-1004/5 O31 45° L/R 40-1055/6 30° O54 L/R 40-1068 O72 Y 40-1043/44 O42 30° L/R 40-1020/1 22.5° O72 L/R   special track 40-1008 uncoupler 40-1011 adapter 40-1006 90° cross 40-1007 45° cross 40-1029 insulated 40-1024 bumper

 

MTH Electric trains (ScaleTrax) now offers scale-sized sectional three-rail O-gauge track for the O-gauge layout designer to complement their integrated roadbed RealTrax. MTH track features solid rails with a 'phantom' center rail, and snap together assembly and disassembly. Flexible track for accommodating layout configurations that cannot be handled with sectional track is also part of the ScaleTrax line. Currently, MTH offers three radii (O-31, O-54, and O-72), with more planned. In appearance, ScaleTrax is similar to Atlas O and established hi-rail track components from GarGraves, Curtis HiRail, and Ross Custom Switches.

 

While many people on here like Fastrac by Lionel, I don't like it after trying it. I don't see what all the hoopla is about! It's lousy for doing fancy curve designs and don't have any flex like tubular, and gets dirty fast; at least it did with me.

 

Tubular track can be cut to fit, and just file the ends and insert track pins. Fastrac and Realtax will be almost a nightmair to cut and fit like tubular track.

 

My favorite track is Gargraves with Ross switches. Gargraves has more curve sizes then anybody else and go up to 128 inch diameter.

 

Lee Fritz

There is a very similar thread running right now with lots of comments:

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...itional-lionel-track

The solid rail Atlas track is wonderful, and expensive.  IMO it looks the best of any out there, but you're gonna pay for it and there's plenty of posts saying their switches are not the best.

 

A lot of folks use Gargraves and Ross track and Ross switches, myself included.  The Ross switches are almost bulletproof.  I have some Gargraves Flex track, but when trying to lay a smooth curve I prefer using either Gargraves or Ross curved sectional track.

I've used many track types - tubular, Fastrack, Realtrax, Ross/Gargraves. I've never used Atlas but have heard good things and it looks good as well. 

 

I prefer the ease of Fastrack/Realtrax and the clean look although tubular allows you to flex it to get tight spots to work. I've also had issues with tubular not being level and dipping at joints, even when fully secured onto a table top causing some steam locomotives to loose traction. My layout now is built with tubular - next time I'd probably do Fastrack or Realtrax to avoid ballasting. 

My experience is with Fastrack, tubular, Snaptrack, Atlas and Scaletrax.

Fastrack is bomb proof, the switches work very well, it's a bit noisy.

Snaptrack is a great toy train track with good switches, very limited choice of curves and switches.

Atlas looks good,the switches can be problematic, it's a bit expensive.

Scaletrax, looks good, switches are not very reliable or strong.

I use Fastrack, love it.  My layout is 11 x 29 wit a 12 x 12 ell.

 

Ken

My oldest layout has some Std Gauge & O-Gauge tube track the my grandpa put down in the 1910-1920 era. It still does the job quite well after all these years. I myself still prefer the original (pre China) Lionel. I own many cases of the original O & Std Gauge. When I complete my newer layout I will hang on to the heavier gauge. As long as it's rust free it grows in value.

I have FasTrack on two layouts now (one tinplate and one regular O), but am planning to replace the regular O layout's FasTrack with GarGraves track and Ross switches.  It's going to be a fairly expensive proposition by my early estimate (about $1,500 or more to start), but I've decided it's something I want to do to give that layout more of a hi-rail look overall.  Of course, some of the cost will be offset by the sale of the extra FasTrack which I'll no longer need.

I use lionel fastrack and i like mine so far. 

I've had experience with tubular and Lionel FasTrack.  Of the two, I prefer FasTrack although like said before it is noisy.  When I build my layout it'll most likely be FasTrack since I can use what I've bought already as I won't be doing too many carpet layouts anymore.  I like it's look and easy of use.  But unlike stated above in the track summary, it doesn't have a darkened center rail.  It's as shiny as the two outside rails on every piece I have.  Yesh, dark would be nice, but it's not a deal killer for me.

If you ever saw the earliest FasTrack release, which did have a blackened center rail, you might change your mind.  Truth is, the silver center rail is actually less obtrusive/visible/distracting than the darkened rail was.  Complaints to Lionel is what caused them to change it.

Fastrack for the Carpet Central, Gargraves & Ross switches for the layouts.

My layout is 10' X 32' and I use Atlas track. As others have stated, it is one of the best looking out there. I also agree with the others that the switches need help. If I were starting over, I would use Ross switches with my Atlas track. I have a small 4' X 12' Fastrak layout for my Polar Express set and I like the simplicity of it. How realistic you want your track to look, choices of radii and switches, cost of track, least problematic brand and ease of wiring accessories, sidings etc.are all things to consider Have fun picking one out!

I use Gargraves track and Gargrave & Ross switches.

I use Atlas track with plans to add Ross switches when the permanent layout begins in the fall.

I use FasTrack. I like it, but I'm not happy with what Lionel charges for their switch tracks. $4.00 for a 10" straight track and $90 to over a $100 for switch tracks. When I got back into the hobby had I known what Lionel was going to charge for their switch tracks, I would have stayed with the old tube tracks. Someday I would like to try Atlas.

I have both portables and a permanent home layout. All of my layouts are toy train style so I might not be the best reference but here goes. On my home layout I use Fastrack sitting on top of indoor/outdoor grass style carpet and that seems to hold the track in place just fine with alright noise control. I have 18 switches on my 7x11 layout so that was the most expensive part. I have 2 smaller portable layouts that I used O27 track and switches for (one has 1122 and the other has 1121 for command trains). The Allaboardfastracker modules were based on the Fastrack and they have been in used for over a year and a half with no problems. Of the over 110 modules that have been built we have replaced maybe 5 pieces of Fastrack from severely bent pins. Otherwise nothing and we can usually use just one power feed on a setup of 50 or so modules. I hope this helps/

I sort of started out in the same way you are, that being that I bought my initial train set, which was the Lionel Conrail Diesel Legacy set, which came with a loop of fastrack. I decided right at the start that I was going to stay strictly with Legacy as my command control system.

 

I did a fair amount of research into the various track types, and it seemed to me that Fastrack was given very high marks for connectivity, and for very dependable turnout operation. On the down side, Fastrack seems to get a lot of citicism for being noisy, as well as being fairly expensive, and some also think it doesn't have all that great an appearance.

 

In my case, since I already had that first loop from the set, and the fact that the track seemed to give very few if any electrical issues, and with electrical not being one of my strong suits, Fastrack got the nod.

 

I can attest to the solid electrical properties of Fastrack, because when I first set up my layout, I was able to run trains around the whole thing, with only one power drop. I was very impressed. Since making the track permanent, I have of course added numerous other power drops, just to be safe, but it did run fine with only the one in the trial stages.

 

To help control noise, I covered my 3/4" plywood table top with "Hardwood Flooring" underpad, which is a very dense rubber, and is only about 1/4" thick. I used the 3/4" plywood in an attempt to build as

 

solid a base as I could, in the hope of minimizing any "Drumming" which to me would be more pronounced with a lighter top surface. I also used "sill gasket" (the stuff builders use in home construction", to isolate the table surface from any underside supports. I don't have any issue with noise I don't see how any track system would be quieter. As far as appearance, the posting above by "RickO" shows where a little added ballasting does wonders for the look.

 

My layout is similar in size to what you are considering, and I haven't done any added track balasting yet, but I'm happy with with everything so far. I've added a few pics which hopefully will give you a better reference point.

 

Don't know why some of the pics dupclicated........gremlins I guess.

 

An added thought....pick yourself up a copy of the "RR Track" planning software. You can get it with libraries of just about any type track. I used it to design my fastrack layout, and the design part was as much fun as actually building it. When I did start construction, the trackplan fit my space perfectly. The program will calculate exactly the number of the various track pieces you will need to complete it so you know what track pieces you need to purchase before you start.

 

REV

 

 

I have used Fastrack from the beginning (6 yrs ago) and I find it, and the fastrack switches, to be highly reliable.

 

If you have the Fasttrack already and like it, stick with it.  Lionel makes a good product.  We have Fasttrack we have received with a couple of starter sets and it's fine -- if I were going to go with a track with built in roadbed, that's what I would use.

 

For me, I use traditional O gauge tubular because that is what I have (lots of) and given that I actually prefer a postwar look, I don't want to drop a lot of money changing out track and switches.  Not worth it to me.

In 2 rail, I prefer handlaid first.  Absolutely the best for custom trackwork and ususally looks the best if laid properly.   you can get different rail heights as desired for sidings industrial etc.   Does take more time but costs about half as much or less.

 

 

second choice is micro-engineering flex track.    Again various rail heighs available from 100 to 172.   Can mate well with old pullman switches

 

Third is probably Peco.   complete line.  Very nice switches, not sure available rail heights.   Need to be careful to stick to US style ties.   The also do English style with simulated bolted down rail   expensive

 

and last is Atlas.   Atlas rail just looks too heavy and clunky to me compared to the others.   Only one size.   Switches are odd angles.   Standards are #4,6,8 etc.   Atlas did 5 1/2 and 7.  Switch guard rails way oversize.  expensive.

MArshelangelo

go pro.  I used Gargraves on my home layout and will use same on club layout. If your space is limited and the turns will be tighter I recommend using MTH Scale trax. If you dont want the bother of having to ballast your track than Lionel Fast track is the way to go. here are a few photos of my a small section of my home layout. You can see the track and ballasting.

 

BTW I noticed you are in Brooklyn. Interested in joining a club in Farmingdale NY, right on the Nassau Suffolk border? We still have membership opportunities and in the construction process. If you want you can e-mail me at s4steve@optonline.net

Steve

Here are a few shots of the three main 'scale-appearing' track systems for you Marshelango. The attributes of Fastrack has pretty well been covered already and for the 'traditional' look it is hard to beat.

My comments are mainly centered on the overall look of the finished layout/track system. These three can give very good results in attaining a more scale-like look to your layout. Each has advantages/disadvantages from an operational point of view.

 

Starting with the top photo (and the bottom) Scaletrax is on the left, Atlas center, and Gargraves to the right. Scaletrax has the lowest profile (height of the rail) and the smallest rail size. This visually gives your equipment a more massive appearance and is closer to scale size. Drawback for some is the ties are spaced slightly too far apart. This is only visible when viewing from directly above (middle photo - ScaleTrax on the right) and is not so apparent when viewed from an angle. The flextrack is truly flexible just like HO track. The other two are more difficult to work with. A major advantage of Scaletrax is the thin center blade which greatly contributes to its appearance. All of the others use a full-sized rail in that place.

 

As someone mentioned above, Atlas has a 'clunky and crowded' appearance due to the large size of the three rails themselves. Has the best tie spacing however. A very good system.

 

Gargraves is much too large in height and tie size to look 'scale' but it is a good system overall. 

When ballasted well and weathered all three are quite good - it really depends on the individual.

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

 

I use Atlas and have some Fastrack.  I see the advantages of Atlas in their selection of switches.  Not only do they have the cool o-72/o-54 curvy switch, they also make #5 and #7 turnouts.  I own Atlas curves with radius as wide as 54" (o-108). 

 

The fastrack is great for a quick carpet setup,etc, but their is no denying how noisy it is.  They don't have any switches past o-72.

 

 

Here are some other factors to consider:

 

Moisture in the train room is a factor to consider.  MTH track and Atlas use a rail made of nickel sliver (a copper alloy) which will not rust though it does produce a oxide that is conductive.  The Lionel, K-Line/RMT, Ross, and Gargraves are made out of tin coated steel and will rust.

 

Ross and Gargraves have wood ties which can split when securing to the roadbed with either screws (recommended) or nails.  One should predrill.

 

The selection of track components as curve radii, straight lengths, uncouplers, operating sections, crossings, and switches/turnouts needs to be considered.  The more options available will minimize cutting and allow more complex track plans.  This was mentioned earlier, but I do so again because Atlas, Gargraves, and Ross pieces can be used together when using the Atlas rail joiners.  This is the main reason that I chose Atlas.  I am considering using ScaleTrax for industrial sidings if I can find a satisfactory connection method.

 

Only MTH Realtrak and Lionel Fastrack with their integral roadbed are stable enough to be used on carpet or without fastening down.

 

Jan

 

FasTrak and Atlas O Track work well with TrainMaster Command Control wiring and locomotives.

 

MTH ScaleTrax would work best for DCS and ProtoSound locomotives.

 

Consider the command control system wiring and locomotives for the tracks.

 

Andrew

I use Ross track with a combination of their switches & Lionel tubular.

I have experience with 3 different track types / brands:

• Tubular:  Marx was my original Christmas layout track.  That's been replaced by Lionel Fastrack.  I like the Fastrack for that purpose.
• Curtis/GarGraves/Ross:  My current layout, the PRR Panhandle https://ogrforum.com/t...r-panhandle-division uses primarily GarGraves and Curtis track with mostly Curtis and some Ross switches.  Curtis has been out of business for awhile now, but their switches were exceptional.  I am also pleased with the Ross offerings as well.
• Atlas O:  I designed and am helping a friend build a 12 x 23 layout using Atlas O track.  I have to say that I am impressed by the heft, appearance, and workmanship of the product.  It will be a very strong contender for any future layout.

Best,

 

George

wow lots of great info here, me personally i roll with tubular O and O27! the only way for me to fly

I use Gargraves track on the vast majority of my layout.  I also use some Gargraves switches too.  These product look and perform fantastic,   I am currently building an elevated trolly line using MTH Real Track and it is actually a REAL pain in the butt to work with.  Its hard to put together and connectivity is problematic.  I'm seriously considering taking out the Real Track that I've already laid and purchasing Lionel Fast Track to replace and continue my line.  Real Track is a low performer in my opinion and is such a vast departure from all the fine quality of products MTH makes.  

 

Thats my experience with track.

 

Cheers and happy railroading

Patrick W

on my current layout 6X 10 I am using Atlas track and switches ( Had my issues with the switch tracks but ok now).

I think there is no one size fits all as a "best" track choice as for me, it depends on if you want a complex set of routes, the cost factor, what type of modeling you want to pursue. More information would be helpful..

We have a lot of lionel operating cars on our layout.  I was told before we started building our layout that the slide shoes have a lot of issues on certain switch brands.  LHS told us Ross switches with a few mods (using track pins as ramps), so we are going this route.

 

I have purchased all the ross track and switches I need so far.  Hoping I don't have much issue with these cars picking switches since the main focus is operating accessories on our layout!

 

So factor in these slide shoe trucks also when picking out your track system.