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Post by redjimmy1955 on May 3, 2023 21:44:10 GMT
Hello folks....I will be starting to build a layout using all this Realtrax that I have unfortunately accumulated. Now Jetguy recommended a mini welder which will get me through dealing with the misaligned crappy end connections. My REAL WORRY is will the RealTrax switches fail after all this track is installed. My gut feeling, after owning this junk, having about $1400.00 worth, after setting up several Carpet Centrals....is why bother using the RealTrax if the switches are unreliable. I think I should go with ol' reliable tubular...Any thoughts are appreciated.
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Post by ptc2 on May 3, 2023 21:48:56 GMT
I have used tubular tack for over 77 years with no issues. That would be my recommendation.
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Post by david1 on May 3, 2023 22:29:51 GMT
Although my layout is smaller than Brian's I do recommend tubular track and especially from Menards. They have radius I believe from O31 to O96. No switches though.
Alot of people use Lionels fastrack, rarely have I heard A bad word about it.
Have fun,
Dave
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Post by harborbelt70 on May 3, 2023 22:59:59 GMT
I used RealTrax for a while and eventually put it down the trash chute. It was a good idea at the time as MTH made a lot to go with it (including a catenary system) but it just was not durable unless nailed/screwed down - not an option in my case. The switches were mostly OK but things like signals were erratic and the trackside IR sensors were the same. I don't find FasTrak especially the switches any better although it has lasted longer in my case - because there are limited amounts of K-Line track still available.
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Post by Adam on May 3, 2023 23:17:42 GMT
If you are looking for an economical track option Menards is a good option. I use it and have had no issues. However, you do need to get creative if you need switches.
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Post by redjimmy1955 on May 4, 2023 0:26:55 GMT
Been reading your replies. And thanks. I'm thinking yes to tubular and would welcome, still, any more suggestions/favorites.
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Post by dennym57 on May 4, 2023 1:00:25 GMT
I've used Fastrak for many years with no issues. Before that it was tube track which which works very well. I've seen Menards track in the store and it looks very sturdy.
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Post by rtraincollector on May 4, 2023 1:21:52 GMT
My last O gauge layout, I used Gargrave track with Ross switches. Very pleased with both and more realistic looking, otherwise I would opt for O gauge using Menards track and Lionel O22 switches. I'm not a fan of fastrack or realtrax. ( just bad experiences with both )
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Post by harborbelt70 on May 4, 2023 1:37:33 GMT
I will add that I have also tried Gargraves and Atlas and the former and Ross are the best for realism and minimising switch issues - depending on what kind of engines/cars you are operating. If they are scale size I think you are best sticking with products made mainly for that. But that higher end stuff is made for permanent layouts which I do not have. I have used Gargraves on a temporary table top layout and it was good and not prohibitively expensive but the same can be said for tubular track. Lionel's own tubular switches are less troublesome than Fastrak. It's a pity that there are limited command control switch options for 3rail O gauge.
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Post by rtraincollector on May 4, 2023 2:03:30 GMT
Depending which ross switch machine you use, the 2500 is able to be command assessable.
I run an EM1 which Lionel says O72 on O56 gargraves with ross switches, that because of the low profile of the ross switches. ( discovered this by accident. )
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Post by Traindiesel! on May 4, 2023 2:50:42 GMT
When I started planning for my large layout in our previous home I had a mish mash of Gargraves, Super O and O27 track from previous smaller builds. For that layout I wanted to use just one type of track. I eliminated Super O track because of the maximum O36 curves.
I started looking at Gargraves since that was what I had the most of. Nice wooden ties for quiet operation. The concentric curves have plastic ties, which was fine with me because I didn’t want to get into bending my own curves. I didn’t like the Gargraves switches though. Scale passenger cars picked the diverging rails often. I had to file down the switch points to get them to work right. If I went with Gargraves I would have gone with Ross Custom Switches.
Then I looked into MTH track. At the time they had smaller curve diameter than I wanted. I also didn’t like the ScaleTrax because I dislike the plastic roadbed accompanying it. I liked the RealTrax better but it seemed very light and less than sturdy. I loved the rail profile but disliked the funky rail connection. I didn’t see an option for cutting custom pieces with those connections.
Lastly I inspected Atlas O track. I loved the solid rail for better conductivity and the track and ties are very solid. The track pieces are strong and solid and great for my heavy steam locomotives and wouldn’t bend if I had to step on them. The weak link are the rail joiners that slide onto the rails between tracks. They can bend when connected and disconnected often but could be tightened with a gentle squeeze from needle nose pliers.
It was close but I chose Atlas O track over Gargraves because of it being a more solid construction in my opinion and I preferred the solid rail over the hollow rail of Gargraves and tubular track. And I also just plain liked the looks of it! Early in their production there were issues with the Atlas turnouts having conduction through the ends of them because of too small of a gauge wire. But by the time I purchased my Atlas O track the issue was fixed. But to be safe I still wire each diverging parts of the turnout. I’ve had no problems with them for the 14 years my layout was operating.
Practically any O gauge track system would work. You just need to decide your parameters of what you want your layout to be and your cost analysis.
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Post by curtis on May 4, 2023 19:42:36 GMT
I use and still use Realtrax on part of my layout and have had ZERO (NONE) problems with it or the switches. I tried Fasttrack and was great disappointed in it and their switches. I do no like the look of tubular and Gargraves ties look way out of place. I wanted to use Scaletrax but could not find enough of it. Most of my layout is now Atlas 21st Century. Am very happy except for two things. Availability, and their crappy switch motors.
My advice - USE THE REALTRAX if you are mounting it permanently.
TrainDiesel - I think you have Scaletrax and Realtrax backwards as Scaletrax has no roadbed attached to it but Realtrax does.
Your quote "Then I looked into MTH track. At the time they had smaller curve diameter than I wanted. I also didn’t like the ScaleTrax because I dislike the plastic roadbed accompanying it. I liked the RealTrax better but it seemed very light and less than sturdy. I loved the rail profile but disliked the funky rail connection. I didn’t see an option for cutting custom pieces with those connections."
Curtis
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Post by eaaiii on May 4, 2023 20:50:38 GMT
I agree with Curtis. If you have it on a flat surface where the tracks will be less susceptible to moving around, you will probably get better long lasting results. I used to have tubular track as a kid on carpets and over time it would develop shorts here and there. That came with routinely pulling it apart and back together.
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Post by Traindiesel! on May 4, 2023 21:22:21 GMT
I use and still use Realtrax on part of my layout and have had ZERO (NONE) problems with it or the switches. I tried Fasttrack and was great disappointed in it and their switches. I do no like the look of tubular and Gargraves ties look way out of place. I wanted to use Scaletrax but could not find enough of it. Most of my layout is now Atlas 21st Century. Am very happy except for two things. Availability, and their crappy switch motors.
My advice - USE THE REALTRAX if you are mounting it permanently.
TrainDiesel - I think you have Scaletrax and Realtrax backwards as Scaletrax has no roadbed attached to it but Realtrax does.
Your quote "Then I looked into MTH track. At the time they had smaller curve diameter than I wanted. I also didn’t like the ScaleTrax because I dislike the plastic roadbed accompanying it. I liked the RealTrax better but it seemed very light and less than sturdy. I loved the rail profile but disliked the funky rail connection. I didn’t see an option for cutting custom pieces with those connections."
Curtis
Yep, thanks Curtis, that’s what I meant! The ScaleTrax was my second choice but I thought the Atlas O track is more sturdy.
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Post by redjimmy1955 on May 4, 2023 21:41:58 GMT
One last statement on my part...I will keep and use my Realtrax. I have all 042 which will go nicely with my 042 capable engines, and my 15 inch passenger cars.Aside from that, I have a boxcar/ reefer addiction....no not weed! I will purchase the miniwelder as shown to us Forumites by Jetguy. Sometime in the winter, I'll post about the RR layout. Again, thx to Jetguy, all of you Forumites for your sage advice. Savous!!
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