I find myself moving and taking down my layout.
I get to start over.
I currently only have engines that run on O-31 track.
If you were starting over with a layout, what track would you use and why?
Thanks!
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I find myself moving and taking down my layout.
I get to start over.
I currently only have engines that run on O-31 track.
If you were starting over with a layout, what track would you use and why?
Thanks!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
As mentioned in similar posts...it depends on one's goals:
Are you looking to stick to a postwar/traditional theme? Tubular track is the choice.
Are you looking to be more sleek and modern but retain traditional aspects? Lionel Fast-track.
More realism? Ross, Gargraves, Atlas.
Personally, after years of 027 profile track (with 042 radius curves and switches) on a traditional post-war style layout, i have gone full on hi-rail with Gargraves track and Ross switches on the new layout and am very pleased. The smooth tracking of engines and cars thru Ross switches is fantastic and the electrical continuity of both products is great as well. Whatever your decision, use the largest radius curves you can fit regardless of the smaller rolling stock/engines you might have. The visual improvement is well worth it.
What Joe said.
@Farmall-Joe posted:As mentioned in similar posts...it depends on one's goals:
Are you looking to stick to a postwar/traditional theme? Tubular track is the choice.
Are you looking to be more sleek and modern but retain traditional aspects? Lionel Fast-track.
More realism? Ross, Gargraves, Atlas.
Personally, after years of 027 profile track (with 042 radius curves and switches) on a traditional post-war style layout, i have gone full on hi-rail with Gargraves track and Ross switches on the new layout and am very pleased. The smooth tracking of engines and cars thru Ross switches is fantastic and the electrical continuity of both products is great as well. Whatever your decision, use the largest radius curves you can fit regardless of the smaller rolling stock/engines you might have. The visual improvement is well worth it.
The above is extremely good advice!
George
If wanting to retain the nostalgia of PW trains, another suggestion would be Lionel Super O which is still considered one of the best in appearance.
After a lot of mental misery, I went with Gargraves Flex Track with wood ties, a few pre-formed curves, Ross Switches w/DZ2500 switch machines.
I believe wood ties helps reduce noise transfer from rails to table. Flex track allowed me to make custom curves/esses. Ross Switches w/DZ2500 switch machines so that I could use serial interface from Cab2/Base2 to control switches remotely.
With Ross or Atlas switches... you may want to take a look at Tortoise Switch Machines.
I started expanding my childhood 027 set in like fashion using 027 tubular in 2019 and 2020. I made a quantum leap in 2021 and dumped about 1K into Fastrack. That decision to use Fastrack was based on my ability to run to my local guy and pick it off the shelf and my "get it done while she ain't looking" mentality at the time. I picked up a big new customer 5 miles from the train store and came home with something new almost every week.
That was back in my build-as-you-go days. Now that "I know what I know", I am planning a new layout to be under construction during the coming summer. I will dump the Fastrack (which worked fine) and go with the Gargraves/Ross in the interest of increased realism. At least that is my earnest desire! If you have the time and means, get the pretty stuff. You won't be sorry....IMO!
For my purposes tubular track is on the layout. My outside rail is 54 degrees and the inside is 42. If I had the room I would have used 72 degree curves. But, I purchased some MTH MU cars and similarly longer passenger cars. They don’t get along with 022 switches. Therefore, I made the investment in RCS tinplate 72 switches and #4 tinplate.
Jay
To Jay's point... I have O72, O54 and O45 loops. I use all O72 switches... except for crossovers which are #5 switches. The larger switches in conjunction with the Tortoise switch machines look great and function perfectly... i.e., no derailments.
I should have specified a little more. I have a small number of postwar and other conventional engines.
I have some Lionel TMCC, some Legacy, and some MTH Proto 3. I have the base and remote to run any of these, I love engines that can run slow around the track. I like grades and sidings and remote unloading and loading of freight cars of various types (K-Line with remote is kind of a favorite). I also like the Brakeman cars (not the Walking Brakeman). I also like the MTH caboose that the signalman that goes if the transformer bell button is placed.
I have tried twice to get bendable Gargraves track layout working. I will tend to stick to preformed curves if I go with Gargraves again, along with Ross Custom Switches.
I have used tubular track, Gargraves, and MTH in the past, and tried to mix them. The Gargraves "Uncouple/unload" tracks that I had did not work well for me.
In getting the new layout up, performance will trump appearance, but I like good appearance also.
I think I may have to figure out how to modify track to make my own specialized tracks.
Thanks for all suggestions.
Used all Atlas, smallest radius was 72 largest 99. 36 switches all with tortoise switches. Very quiet, the only place I have had to clean it is on the incline due to the rubber tires. My firs layout was gargraves and it was noticeably louder. I did use Super streets for my Trolley through the city.
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