I’ve just recently gotten back into the hobby after a few years, and I’ve been researching different track types to replace my O27 stuff I have. I think I may have decided on the K-Line Supersnap. To me, it has a look that is a bit more “real” than regular tubular track (nothing against tube track), yet not quite the whole roadbed/ballast of FasTrack/Realtrax (I haven’t heard too many great things anyway).
So, does anyone use this track? With the “Supersnap” part of it, does it have better connections consistently than most track? I like the look of it, with the ties and blackened rail and all, and the minimum 0-31 curve would at least offer more engine/car choices than 0-27 size curves.
If I decide to use this track, does anyone have any suggestions for internet sites to buy it at (maybe with a bit better price than 3.50 a piece)? I’ve looked on ebay, and it isn’t on there too much. I would be interested in selling my small amount of 027 if anyone wanted it by the way.
Thank you for any responses…I look forward to asking you veterans all the questions I’ll have in the future.
I’m getting back into the hobby too [after 20 years]. Right now, I am thinking of using Shadow Rail and Super Snap switches for the main lines. It will be 072, 054 and 042.
First I would like to welcome you to the CTT forum
We have talked a lot about track on this forum. If you do a search (at the top right hand corner of the page) on track you can find a lot of good reading.
I still use 0-27 tube track and run some larger than most engines and cars. The real trick is the turnouts (switches) and setting your curves.
I use the K-line low profile switches.
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I haven’t seen too many places offering discounts on track. Check Charles Ro, or some of the other large mail order places. If you like the K-line track, you could also check one of their superstores, they might have it a little cheaper. The ads in the magazine are good for shopping for trains, but most advertisers don’t take their space to post track prices.
Justtrains and Charles Ro offer great prices on K-line track. I think I will be using the Supersnap switches as well, but with plain Lionel, Williams, and K-line tubular. It’s hard to beat $38 for an 072 turnout and $32 for an 031 turnout (new). Other than some (easily tweaked) sparking problems, the Supersnap switches seem to have a good reputation in this forum.
Although I’d love to hear from someone about the latest Gargraves turnouts. They’re about $40 in any size! The other hi-rail options are reportedly better, but the cost almost doubles.
The K-line “Super K” is just like supersnap (scale-like plastic ties, black ctr. rail), but it lacks the Supersnap feature. Super “K” is a bit cheaper. There are no super “K” turnouts. I’ve chopped the “Supersnaps” off of a lot of my Supersnap track, anyway. Track pins just seem to work better for me. I believe the outside rails are isolated. That could be handy.
While the Supersnap switches could be an excellent value, the Super K and Supersnap regular track sections seem more expensive than they should be, like double standard Lionel 031 prices. So I’m probably using regular tubular 031 track, and adding rubber ties and some weathering.
Gargraves is still in the running, especially if the new switches are good. The sectional gargraves looks good and is priced in line with Super K and Supersnap. (When comparing section prices, remember that the Gargraves sectional track is all 4 pieces per circle, not 8 or 12 or 16, right up to 072. Use the “circle price” on the justtrains website to compare.)
Man, there’s a lot to learn about this track stuff… [xx(]
