Track Compatibility

The connectors are not the same, but there is a way around it if you find your self with two (or more) random brands of track. Every track system has adapters to tubular Lionel track.

 

So, you could build a layout with all the common track systems out there. though, at some point of layout complexity the varying curve geometries may leave you with a few head-scratchers when it comes to joining the two halves of whatever

 

---PCJ

The small center rail of MTH track makes it difficult to match to most of the other manufactures, IMO.  I use Atlas track, the Fort Pitt Hi-Railer modular layout uses Gargraves track with Ross Switches.

Gargraves and Ross seem to match well using either set of track pins.

Atlas has a small adaptor pin  to either Ross or Gargraves, we found it more convenient to alter the track profile on the Gargraves and use the standard Atlas track connectors.
Gargraves left/Atlas right with an Atlas connector.  Note that the lower Gargraves track profile has been removed with a dremel tool.


Gargraves track with Railroad Tie brown paint applied.

Atlas track also detailed/painted.

Ross switches and Gargraves track.

MTH Scaletrax

 

 

The main advantage visually to scaletrax is the closer to scale size of the outer rails which enhances the appearance of our equipment - the locomotives appear more massive because of this. Compare with the Atlas and Gargraves in the photos above.

 

Also, the flex track is truly flexible & very good to work with.

To put it simply jay, as RailRide implied, the common piece is the Lionel tubular. The track mfg.s make adapter track to change to that track. To join Atlas to another you use the adapter to get to tubular, then tubular to get to another brand.

 

Some tracks will mate with modifications to one another, if you are so inclined. Some have posted those.

 

The Atlas product looks nice. Stay with that.

 

Jay,

 

I built my layout with MTH, and wish I knew more about it before I bought it.

 

I would have gone with Atlas, Gargraves and even Lionel. 

 

I found that MTH is very difficult to work with, limited selection compared to Lionel and more importantly, had several switches failed within 1 year. Trying to remove them was very difficult and frustrating. Even the connections caused issues for me.

 

I'm not opposed to MTH, as my layout is DCS controlled and I do have several MTH engines and cars, really like them. It's their track that is the real issue IMO.

 

RAY

Gentleman, I'm smiling because of the prompt and thoughtful responses, picture etc. I almost forgot why I got into this hobby. The wealth of knowledge freely shared is absolutely amazing. I'm guessing I'll build up with Atlas product.

Once again Thanks

Best Regards

Jay

Jay:

If you go with Atlas  track and plan on using crossovers especially the lower angle ones like the 22.5 degree please beware that based on my experience and that of some customers the Atlas crossover does not work that well with some manufacturers cars (I think it is due to wheel base length and/or flange width????). They tend to jump and derail. I know of some forum topics on this site that talk about how to 'fix' the crossover but I have a customer who bought the Ross crossover as a replacement and has zero issues with any car running over it. Connecting Atlas O track to Ross is fairly easy (I do it on my layout). In talking to Ross techs I was told their crossovers were designed as direct drop ins for Atlas O to fix the issues Atlas O crossovers have (Atlas O and other members of this forum will have their own opinion which is good and would make for an interesting forum topic).

I use Atlas O turnouts (a fine product) but have also purchased some Ross turnouts that I can not get in Atlas O format for example the Ross 3-way. I bought it with the DZ1000 switch motor since I am familiar with it and consider it a good motor. In the past I have had issues with Atlas O switch motors burning out. But again there is a fix for this involving placing a diode in series with the power wire from the switch control to the switch motor (again covered in a forum topic). I have done this and now experience no motor burnout. If you decide to stick with Atlas O turnouts  use the diode circuit and replace the switch control that comes with the turnout with either Atlas O's deluxe model or a DPST momentary switch. 

Joe

Thanks to everyone for your input. It would appear there are differences that only experience can show. I'm pretty handy with a dremel and a file but don't like too much grinding. Once again thanks. Now on a different topic, I have a KW transformer that I believe has a fading disc rectifier for whistle control. Are there actual replacements available or is there a topic on the forum that I should pose this question?

 

Best Regards

Jay

Post a new topic in the electrical forum for the KW issue. Threads wander off topic enough. Also, makes it easier for future reference on a similar question.

MTH RealTrax is a product to stay away from. Not knowing any better and refusing to accept input from others I spent over $1000 on RealTrax that was a terrible mistake. I am stuck with it and make it work but it is far from ideal.

 

There are no alignment pins for the outer rails and they often don't align perfectly making trains bump as they go through the track  sections. The switches came with the anti-deerailment feature made inoperative through poor workmanship. I had one MTH train set that could not be operated through one size switch as it shorted out every time it went through that size switch. One section of track got the trains so animated, swinging back an forth, that I replaced it with Atlas flex track for about 30 inches in two places. Now that Atlas flex track is smooth. The Atlas track look so much better than the RealTrax too.

 

MTH also makes ScaleTrack too and I know nothing about it. If I had it to over again I'd go with the more popular Gargraves and Ross track. Everybody raves about it.

 

Don't use MTH RealTrax!

 

LDBennett

If you don't like your track put it on the for sale forum on here and try to get some of your money back from it.

Sometimes with track it's trial & error! What else can I say? It's what you like that counts.

 

Lee Fritz

Lee:

 

I do realize I can probably sell it and at a loss but it works well enough for now. If I ever re-do the layout (and actually I may have to in the not too distant future if I combine households with my son's family) I will do just as you suggested. But in the mean time I want to warn others to not use MTH RealTrax or their track planning software that also caused problems. The track planning software did not allow enough room for switch motors or clearance for adjacent parallel tracks. I fixed both the problems too but at a loss of planned trackage. Oh well, it all works OK now.

 

LDBennett

My only problems with atlas track are the switches, specifically the high speed turn outs. You can't run small engines over them because of the gap for the third rail.