Track Identification and Condition

The middle one is Marx deluxe, but it may have been shortened. It should be longer that the three tie track. There are a number of ways to determine manufacturer. The easiest way to identify Marx is by the shape of the pins. Marx pins are straight with no visible indents. Marx track has black ties.

Lionel track has bullet shaped pins and the ties are either black, brown or silver. By the shape of the pins and ties, I say that the upper  track is Lionel.

The lower track might be Marx with Lionel pins. Are the ties IDENTICAL on the middle and lower tracks?

I don't remember the tie color on K-Line O-27 profile track.

This all applies to O-27 profile track.

Some better pictures of the pins and of the tops and bottoms of the ties will be helpful.

The middle is Marx, and it is not shortened.  The first production 5-tie straights were the same length as the normal 3-tie.

The top looks like MPC or later Lionel; the bottom is PW Lionel.  As I have recently learned, the clues to the bottom one being Lionel are the screw holes and the lack of crimps on the center rail tabs (Thanks, Papa!).

Being the newest, the top looks in the best condition, but all three appear to be sound and usable.  So long as there are no shorts because of worn insulators, all three look like they'd work just fine. 

Do you have much of that 5-tie Marx?  I'm looking to get more . . . .

Top track IS Lionel tubular 027 track. I had it as a kid, still do, but never use it. Switched to Atlas 0 track when it first came out. Have 1 Ross 054 curve switch, 2 10" Ross straight, rest is still Atlas 0.  Not sure about center, bottom track .

palallin posted:

The middle is Marx, and it is not shortened.  The first production 5-tie straights were the same length as the normal 3-tie.

I never knew that. Thanks!