Track Quality Question

I would say just remember that post war track was made with American steel,

and the new track may be made over seas with foreign steel.

I have a very limited amount that I used on the Halloween layout. That said, I have never noted any differences in the metals between the USA and China rail sections.

Gilly

Recent-production Chinese-made tubular track does not seem to be as well staked and crimped as older track (not necessarily postwar). I haven't seen any difference in the metal on 0 gauge track, but the latest imported Standard Gauge track feels lighter in weight and less strong than U.S.- made USA Track. This may be because differences in weight and rigidity are more noticeable on Standard Gauge track, which is bigger. It might be informative to mike the sheet metal on several samples of track, to see if the newer stuff is thinner. That would not be a definitive measure of quality, since the newer metal could be softer even if it's the same thickness, but it would be interesting to see. 

Posted by 41woodie:

 

difference in postwar O gauge tube track as opposed to the new (probably Chinese) track as to rust resistance, conductivity, durability etc

Is your question relative to Postwar O gauge tubular vs current production Lionel tubular O gauge?  Or are you asking about all current production O gauge track such as Atlas, Fastrack, Scaletrak, Gargraves, etc.?

Was speaking of current production Lionel O ga. track

I use Lionel O27 track with O42 curves and have bought many new curved and straight pieces from Lionel.  They appear as good as the stuff I have from 1950.