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Post by Yellowstone Special on May 9, 2020 15:57:20 GMT
Tom, in reference to what track system would be good, if you're going to have this temporary layout for awhile until you start on your permanent one, I would go ahead with the Gargraves track and Ross switches now. Just install them so that they can be taken up easily for re-installation on your permanent layout later.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2020 16:46:34 GMT
Tom you are going to have a lot of fun. I agree with Vern, go with what you will end up with. We have Ross turnouts and track and are very pleased. In a couple of places we used Gargraves and also on our shelves and it has done well.
Look forward to following your progress.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2020 17:11:46 GMT
Tom, Your extensive knowledge of railroading will surley enhance your layout. I do not have that kind of experience. In the early days of building my layout I stumbled upon the work of Frank Ellison. I bought into a lot of his suggestions about model railroading. He makes every attempt to bring a layout to life by mimicing what real railroads have to contend with. To this day I reread his famous series called "The Art of Model Railroading". Below is a link to a PDF copy of that series. You might find it interesting and it might help you decide the future of your layout. It is lengthy 34 pages. The Art of Model Railroading Frank Ellison.pdf (3.68 MB) |
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Post by josef on May 9, 2020 18:02:13 GMT
Once you start building a layout, the fun starts. I remember staying up till 2AM or waking up early before work to add something on the layout. The best was when I ran my first train around the layout.
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Post by Yellowstone Special on May 9, 2020 18:28:59 GMT
Yet, another track system to consider would be Lionel’s Fastack. That’s what I went with for simplicity over 8 years ago when I built my layout. It’s easy to install, has a built-in roadbed so you don’t have to mess with ballasting, snaps together snugly, and comes in various radii and lengths. I’ve never had any trouble with Fastrack and it’s easy to clean; only a couple of times a year for me. I installed mine on a half-inch sheet of Homosote on plywood and it’s still a little noisy. But with the diesel revving sounds, the chugging sounds of steam engines, horn and whistle, along with other railroad sounds on a layout, you really don’t notice it that much. Gargraves/Ross is probably the premium track system. But IMO, Fastrack is a good second.  |
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Post by laz57 on May 9, 2020 19:43:52 GMT
TOM,
Another thing to consider on your layout is on your bigger engines the overhang. Make sure of the clearances around your turns especially if you are having two loops. When I put together my third layout I ran different trains for a few weeks and paid attention to all those overhangs and closeness to other engines scenery etc.
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Post by Adam on May 9, 2020 20:48:38 GMT
I second Laz’s suggestion. I’ve got a loop within a loop on. My 8x4 layout and learned that the hard way. Luckily the damage was minimal!
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2020 21:01:37 GMT
I'm happy for you Tom!! This will be great fun. I have only used GarGraves track and FASTRAK at Christmas to make a small oval. The permanent layout will be GarGraves.
Gary.
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Post by 4dogsinjersey on May 9, 2020 22:27:45 GMT
Thanks everyone! This thread has a lot of great information to absorb and use.
I actually forgot about Lionel Fasttrack. Thanks Vern. I am going to explore that brand too.
Great points on the clearance issue and track brand to use.
I think the Gargraves may be the route to take, mainly due to the investment I have made in their product already.
I have been stockpiling Gargraves track for quite a while, for the future big layout. Lots of switches and straights, but no curves. I am going to place an order with Gargraves and see what I can get from them. If that doesn’t pan out, I want to check out the Lionel system.
Currently the Gargraves factory is shut down due to Covid19, but they are still shipping what they have in stock. Hopefully they have the curves I will need if I go with the Gargraves.
Thanks again, everyone and keep the suggestions and helpful hints coming!
Tom
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2020 0:37:12 GMT
Currently the Gargraves factory is shut down due to Covid19, but they are still shipping what they have in stock. Hopefully they have the curves I will need if I go with the Gargraves. Thanks again, everyone and keep the suggestions and helpful hints coming! Tom One more thought.... If Gargraves still has Flex track, in their inventory, you don't need curves and you can custom make your curves. It is a bit of a job, but a little practice makes perfect. In the future, you will face situations where the track does not conform to the exact radius and/or you want O60 curves, you can bend the track to precisely what you want. Thought 2, get a Dremel tool, best tool ever for cutting and configuring track structure.
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Post by 4dogsinjersey on May 10, 2020 1:29:53 GMT
Dave, I have some of the flex track coming. I kind of figured the same thing you discussed. I will definitely need it.
I have a few dremels on hand. Well schooled in their use!
Tom
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Post by Traindiesel! on May 10, 2020 8:26:46 GMT
Tom, I would recommend Atlas O Nickel Silver track. Although any track system will work, it's very realistic looking but the best feature is the solid rail. When I planned my last layout I researched all the track systems I could use. The solid rail sold me for the conductivity and durability for my heavier locomotives. Very durable as opposed to hollow rail track. I have used it on my previous layout and will be using it extensively on my new layout.
Have fun with your new build!!!
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Post by 4dogsinjersey on May 10, 2020 15:10:53 GMT
Thanks Brian.
I have a couple Atlas switches I bought to test out. I will check out sources for the Atlas track and see what they are getting for the various components. I am leaning towards Gargraves at the moment, but I appreciate the suggestion.
Tom
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2020 15:11:09 GMT
Looking at different track systems was the reason I asked about the MTH track. I have Gargraves and Ross switches on my layout. I wanted to switch to Atlas track on my rebuild but with the money I already have invested in my Gargraves it won out again.
I have learned that Gargraves flex track does not like to be rebent!
As far as Gargraves track sections - I found some on eBay also there are quite a few dealers that carry it at the same cost.
If you cut off small sections of track keep the extra wood ties. They work great for adding to scenes.
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