Ross track?

Similar to Gargraves in terms of profile.  It is tubular but lacks the webbing that gargraves uses for flex track and uses spikes to hold track to ties.

Gargraves track and Ross switches...the only way to go.

Thanks,How do they mate up to each other please?

Is that the Phantom track?

 

Thanks Again

Gargraves Track and Ross Switches are used so much together, that many people think they are the same company, even though they are actually competitors.

However, I recently read they are very happy to have such synergy.

That combination of track and switch is just like cream and sugar in your coffee.

Perfect for each other, and most of the professional layouts or layouts that people are gonna keep up forever go that route.

Ross sells an entire line of track, along with the switches.

Ross is not the least expensive in any way.

BUT, Ross makes awesome products, In the USA.

The track is steel rails actually spiked into real wood ties. Switches are made the same way.

Ross switches come 2 ways, Standard manual, hook up your own controls, or Ross Ready with the switch engine, wiring for power and anti derail.

To add on, The Ross Customer Service is incredible.

I recall one thread here where someone was having an issue with an engine derailing on a Ross switch, he eventually posted a picture showing a bent spike sticking up which was causing the derail.

Steve (The owner of Ross Custom) then Posted, He sent the man a new switch and simply requested the old switch be returned in the box the new one came in.

You cannot top that for service and backing a product.

 

In my Book, Service and Backing Product means a lot more than price.

And Yes, I own some Ross switches and will probably get more as time passes.

They mate up well with Scaletrax which is my choice for the new layout.

Actually there is a slight elevation difference between Ross track and Gar-Graves. The top of the rail on Gar-Graves track is slightly lower than the top of the rail on Ross track.(actually the ties are different) This does make for a slight rise/dip into and out of a Ross switch mated to Gar-Graves track.

In addition, Ross curved & straight track has a parallel wooden rail that runs under and perpendicular to the ties. This tends to keep straight track straight and the curves curved. This makes for much easier geometry when building a layout, even with compound curves.

One other point, the rail on the Gar-Graves track extends below the top of the tie, giving a very deep rail profile when view from a distance, until such time that ballast or scenery is installed. Fwiw.

That is what I use.

And would recommend

I agree

Russell,

Ross Ready with the switch engine, wiring for power and anti derail.

Actually, Ross Ready switch tracks are wired for power, however, they do not come wired for non-derailing. However, it's quite easy to do yourself.

 

My layout is entirely Gargraves track with about 85% of the 99 switch tracks being from Ross. That includes one 4-way and three 3-way Ross switch tracks.

 

The balance of the switch tracks are Gargraves, Right of Way/Curtis and Lionel Super O. With the exception of the 4-way, all switch tracks ares wired for automatic non-derailing operation.

Ross Track is not solid rail like Atlas or Scaletrax. It is not tube type if your meaning like Lionel tubular. It is hollow like Gargraves and mates well with Gargraves. It uses pins.

Their switches are the best available. Bar none. Near flawless. None better, No one offers more selection, or better quality, period !

 

 

That's the combo I plan to use when I re-fit my layout this coming year.  I won't say it's the only way to go, but it certainly seems to be a popular combination that works well for those who have been actually using it.

 

If it doesn't work well for me, I'll track down (pun intended) chipset!    

LOL!

 

I am actually in the same boat as you Allan, planning to replace all track with Ross and Gargraves.

 

I went with RealTrax and Fastrack from the get go, but I notice that my RealTrax switches have a lifespan shortened by the amount of time you fiddle faddle with them. Same with the RealTrax non-switches, and I have a pile of RealTrax switches I need to try and revive from issues.

Even the non-switches suffer the same fate if fiddle faddled with too much.

 

Now my Fastrack has fared much much better, but I do have some problem areas that I can tell are from sections that again...during construction of the layout (re-started 3x) suffered too much abuse.

 

Thus, I plan to start accumulating Ross and Gargraves asap, so that when I retire, I can begin replacing.

 

Bottom line is that most of the really great perm layouts use both Ross and Gargraves...and their is a reason...they are the BEST.

Gargraves track and Ross switches, on our layout.

Why not Ross track and Ross Switches?

And any pics of both or Gargrave track on Ross Switches.

 

Thank You

I will be using all Ross track and switches - I just haven't progressed to the point where I need the switches yet. 

 

Here's a few pics:

 

If you are going to stick with sectional track then you could stay with all Ross. If you want to use flex track, then you would use Gargraves.

 

Here are some pictures of the two together.

 

I have over 300' of Ross track. You can't beat it. 90% of my switches are Ross also.

Zeke

 

I like your weathering, what color is that?

Thank you

Clem

ROSS also makes Tinplate style "O" Gauge switches which mate up EXACTLY to Lionel or K-Line O"O Gauge TUBULAT track.

I had 4 of them all # 4s on my last layout and used them as high speed crossovers from one main line to another.  The BEST switches I have ever seen or used.

Thanks All,

Who has good online prices for  Phantom Track?

 

Thanks Again

Hi Clem - thank you! 

 

It's actually two colors - the first was flat black sprayed on and allowed to dry, followed by brushing the rails with a color called Oak Barrel. I found it at the True Value hardware store.  I'm sure Lowe's or Home Depot would have something similar.  You might have to test some samples to see what looks good to you.  I used dirty brown and white weathering powders on the ties.

 

It is time consuming, but it gives me the exact look I wanted.

Can anyone post pics of Atlas track with Ross switches(turnouts) ?