Question for "O" Gauge tubular track users.

Possibly O54, assuming it follows the idea of the curve being an exact drop in for a curve section.  (thereby helping with creating crossovers between loops that can be on the curve)

-Dave

I would like to see 0-81 and 0-96 turnouts to match K line track made several years ago. 

0-42.  I have had an abysmal experience with the 0-42 switches made by the "oldest name" in the industry.

Curt

David Johnston posted:

I would like to see 0-81 and 0-96 turnouts to match K line track made several years ago. 

I wouldn't mind those radii either .

juniata guy posted:

0-42.  I have had an abysmal experience with the 0-42 switches made by the "oldest name" in the industry.

Curt

Are those O27 or O?  I didn't think Lionel made O42 in O gauge, only in O27?

-Dave

I have some Menards tubular "O" gauge track.  The price is very good, but the quality is a bit lacking.  The rails are not the same smooth finish as Lionel or K-Line.  So if they decide to produce switch tracks, will the quality be up to what we have been accustomed to with L & K ?

Dave:

You are correct; I misread Jim's original post.  I was reading O and thinking 0-27 profile.

The stinker 0-42 radius switches are 0-27 profile.

Curt

Dan Padova posted:

I have some Menards tubular "O" gauge track.  The price is very good, but the quality is a bit lacking.  The rails are not the same smooth finish as Lionel or K-Line.  So if they decide to produce switch tracks, will the quality be up to what we have been accustomed to with L & K ?

I concur with this.  As much as I love my Menards stuff, the track is lacking.  I bought some just to compare to my large stash of Lionel O tubular.   I'll stick with my Lionel O-31 switches, and if I need new larger, I'll just get the RossPlate O72 that drop in.

I would think it has to be min 072 to accomodate the scale size trains that we are in love with.

Mikey

DAN PADOVA, and ESCAPEROCKS

I'm sure Mark "The Menard's Man" has read the post pertaining to their track issues. I'm sure, all of issues mentioned are being look at with the necessary steps being taken to correct these issues.

O27 or #4, w/ pivoting points/ frog...

you'll corner the market!

mikey posted:

I would think it has to be min 072 to accomodate the scale size trains that we are in love with.

Mikey

Actually the overwhelming vast majority of the O gauge market is still traditional, as are most of the Menards products.

Even though thus far, Menards is making only O gauge track, I like Overlandflyer's idea. I chop down my 027 switches so they look similar to his included photo, which makes for far more layout possibilities in a small space.

Most people are not going to rip up the track they already have on their layout (unless they're planning on a totally new layout), BUT they very easily might be convinced to replace switch tracks with an improved version, IF it were truly improved upon. Whether it is possible to get the reliability of the Lionel postwar O gauge switch with a smaller switch box housing... I don't know. BUT if it were done, I could envision guys with existing layouts just replacing switch tracks to pick up the added space from not having the large switch box housing.

The last completely redesigned incarnation of the O gauge switch by Lionel was a great idea, but it was poorly done. I know quite a few guys who anticipated that new design, and then were completely disappointed with the way the switch functioned.

On the same note, switch tracks have been the weak spot with 027 track. Even without going to an 027 line of track, were Menards to make an improved 027 switch with either a much smaller footprint, and with electric switches that do not require rewiring to work from secondary power - instead of track power - I could see people replacing switches only on an existing layout.

Towards the end of their tenure, K-Line redesigned their 027 switch, and though the footprint was the same size, the operation of the switch track was greatly improved. Those later produced K-Line 027 switches have become difficult to find, because most folks that bought them, have kept them.

I have seen the new Menard's track and was not impressed with it. Would rather use the old style K-Line(before Lionel)track.

However I have gone over to Ross Custom switches because Lionel just does not have the quality in their switches that they had during the late 1940's to 1960's. Also Ross Custom switches work better with MTH engines then Gargraves switches do.

Lee Fritz

Yes:

1.  Low profile switch machines.

2.  Smaller profile switch base with fillers, like Atlas Snap, and

3.  O22 robustness.

Matt A posted 7/2/14:

I've got two issues with Lionel's tubular track. The first is that my scale MTH steam engines seem to bounce over the 072 switches. The second is that backing a MTH scale centipede tender through 072 switches quite often results in a derailment even at crawling speeds. 

 Please fix those two issues. Larger than 072 would be nice.

I have been gone all day.  Just got home. Just finished reading all your posts. Everyone that posted, had some fantastic ideas and some very good points.  Please continue to tell Menard's what you need in the way of "O" Gauge tubular track. Also, please tell them, what problems you have encountered using their tubular track. By telling them, what's wrong, then they will know, what steps are needed to be taken to correct it. Please have a safe and wonderful weekend.

My experience with the Menard's tubular track has been generally good.  I'm running about a hundred feet of it on my layout; 12X34 (approximately). Four independent loops.  Several siding tracks controlled by manual switches.  Our locomotives/rolling stock contact only a small section of the track and it soon becomes as smooth as any of the Lionel track I've used, which is a lot.  If I needed to I would just rub down the upper part of the rails with a little fine sandpaper prior to installation.  The track does have consistent spacing between the rails  so I don't encounter any derailments with the Menard's track.  And it is built tough.  Since I weather the track I don't care much if it's a little rougher out of the box, except I want the rail tops smooth, which as I said seems to take care of itself.