I’ve still been having trouble debating on what kind of trackage I want to start investing into. I’ve gotten a few pieces of the FasTrack sometime back, and I still have quite a bit of the O-Gauge tubular track sections, including a pair of remote O-31 switches.
Im just not sure whether to invest in the tubular track or more of the FasTrack. Though I like the look of it and how the cars roll around it, you really can’t cut FasTrack like you can the tubular track for those layouts that require custom fits.
I don’t like the MTH Realtrax because they are too tough to assemble and dissemble…I tried to put two O-82 curves together at a hobby shop the other day and it was a challenge to get them to snap together. Couldn’t get them to come apart, so I put it back on the shelf.
I know Spankybird told me a bit about the GarGraves track, which looked pretty cool from my weekend visit to OH, but i’ve never worked with their track brand. I have no doubt though that it’s good.
To me personally, it doesnt matter if the track is prototypical or not; I just like some good realistic track to run a good layout on. So therefore I need to start investing in a track system that will eventually go on to a permanent layout, once I have a means to do so. Unfortunately you can’t do much in a rented duplex.
What sucks though is that all of my local hobby shops charge retail for all of their tracks, same prices as the catalogs. Not sure if going the online order route is better or what. My research continues…
Gargraves flexible gets my vote. I have used tons of it. You can get it at a lot of online stores, but I found the best price on Ebay, at AM Hobbies. Very reputable,sells Atlas trains also.
I currently have Lionel 022 and K line switches, but next time I will bite the bullet and go with Ross switches…My two cents…Tim
I started out with MTH RealTrax and have really enjoyed it. I’m way past the point of even thinking about switching to another brand because of the investment I’ve made so far. I have not had any problems with broken tabs/connections/putting it together, etc., maybe I’ve just been lucky. If you think you might be moving in the future just remember your current track plan will be different than your next one and you will want to recycle all of your track.
It’s a tough call so be patient with yourself and keep looking at all the great layouts out there.
My current layout is about half MTH Realtrax and half Atlas. I like both but the Realtrax is very noisy. The Realtrax is not very easy to cut but I have made a few cuts to make things work. The Atlas is easy to cut. Both brands of switches have worked well for me although the Realtrax has been in use longer.
I’ll second the post recommending AM Hobbies. I bought most of my Atlas track from Bob. He also sells Gargraves and Ross.
You can cut FastTrack with a chop saw to make custom pieces.
Gargraves is great for custom fitting bt it takes practice to get used to how to use it. NEVER pre-bend it… It’s also pretty much a one use product, once you bend and cut it, it’s pretty much it. Straightening it out is even harder.
Atlas has a pretty complete system including “flex” track sections. I played around with a section of the flex stuff at a shop, the “flexible” automotive exhaust tubing is easier to bend.
Not easily. Ross switches profile matches O-27 track. FastTrack matches up with O. You can shim the switch and use the adapter sections but why? FastTrack switches work very well and you can get sectional Ross track and use Ross Roadbed if you want to use Ross Switches. If you needed a specialty switch (like the double slip) you could graft it into a FastTrack setup.
Currently I am using garegraves track with ross switches. The track is not that difficult to work with. All you need is a dremel drill with cut off discs.
But, now I am thinking of making a modular layout. For this I am looking into atlas track. The reason for the atlas on a modular layout, is when transporting the layout, gargraves, and anyother tubular or non-solid track can be easily damaged. Im looking into atlas because it is solid.
Just another thing to remember or think about when choosing.
There are so many good track systems available today it really is hard to choose. I started out with MTH Realtrax and really never any problems. I was able to buy all kinds of small sections to help me build my trackplan. Since I run 5 separate loops with only one pair of switches, my track plan is pretty basic.
The MTH Realtrax can be pretty noisey but the addition of homasote to my newest section of the layout has cut the noise considerably.
One suggestion about buying track. If you attend train shows perhaps you can find a track system, Gargraves, Atlas, MTH, Lionel, etc., available from local dealers at a discount from the retail stores. Just a suggestion as I see this all the time at the train shows I attend.
My choice was and is Atlas track. I can’t say pro or con on other brands. If your layout is small to medium and you can piece it together with the ready made curves and straight pieces Atlas is easy to assemble and in my opinion, the switches are great. My experience with Atlas flex track is that it is sturdy and takes practice to bend smoothly. Easy to cut and size with dremel. I think the flex works best when you are dealing with bends for curves 072 diameter and greater. The tighter the curve, the more bend required and it takes more effort and track screws on the ends to keep it smooth. I am happy with it, but it may not be for everyone. Good luck. [:)]
I appreciate all the input guys. I’ve heard alot about Atlas bein good track too, but that their switches have had issues. Eventually it will wind down to one track brand. Since I do have 2 transition pieces for FasTrack, I can see how well it will work with the tubular track. I haven’t heard much about how well the FasTrack switches work (remote ones) but would like to hear about those too.
Not familiar with Ross switches, but will have a read on them too.
I have been using Gargraves and O gauge tubular track and 027 with Gargraves track.
Gargraves switches work better than Lionel’s 6-23011 series switches and 027 switches. Have not used Ross Custom switches but have been told that the switches are Gargraves compatible. To mix Gargraves with other track use must use adapter pins, also Gargraves does not make an insulating pin for their track, so I had to cut down some S gauge insulating pins to work.
Choose what ever track you like but take this advice: STAY AWAY from Lionel 6-23011 or 6-23010 series switches in O gauge as they are the most problematic switch I have seen on the market in the last 12 years, even Lionel will not recognize that the switch has a problem.
Lee F. in West Palm Beach FL
I appreciate all the input guys. I’ve heard alot about Atlas bein good track too, but that their switches have had issues. Eventually it will wind down to one track brand. Since I do have 2 transition pieces for FasTrack, I can see how well it will work with the tubular track. I haven’t heard much about how well the FasTrack switches work (remote ones) but would like to hear about those too.
Not familiar with Ross switches, but will have a read on them too.
Chris
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I have svevral Atlas switches and have had very GOOD luck with them.[
I use two types of track (but not together): Lionel FasTrack for toy train layouts and Atlas O for Hi-Rail layouts. I have had no problems whatsoever with either type/brand, including the switches. I’ve found the FasTrack switches to be far more reliable, and smooth, than conventional tubular O gauge switches. And I haven’t had any problems with Atlas switches.
These are the two types of O gauge track I’ve settled on after trying just about every brand and type there is over the years.
I like Gargraves and Ross switches with DZ2500 switch machines. You don’t have to bend Gargraves for corners if you don’t want. You can purchase Gargraves track that is already is pre-formed for the corner size you want.
The Ross switches are the smoothest and quietest I’ve seen. They wire up very easily and work well with TMCC. If I can work and make these work then anybody can.
I agree with tschmidt. The Ross switches are spectacular – I’ve never seen anything as smooth. They mate perfectly with Gargraves and Ross track, as well. I recently retired my old tubular track, replacing it with Gargraves, and have been very satisfied.
One suggestion: if you’re in a humid area, make sure you go with the stainless steel track. It will not have moisture problems. I don’t know what Holland, MI is like, but my experience in IN in the summer is that it is about as humid as can be.