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I use the quotes because I'm not sure it's actually Lionel.  The Lionel website only shows Fastrack, although I can find new tubular, identified as Lionel, on various websites and in train shops.  Is Lionel still making it, is all this inventory old stock, or did Lionel sell off the tools and rights to use the name on the old style track?  I ask because most of my layout is original postwar track and I'm thinking ahead to expansion and replacement of original fussy switches.  (My lottery winning plan is to swap everything out for Atlas O, but I'd have to play the lottery to win!) Thanks for any info you guys might have.

 

 

Update - Thanks to some replies below, it appears Lionel's site does show tubular track under the Products link.  However, if you go first to the Lionel Store link, it's only Fastrack.  Makes you wonder...

Last edited by MichMikeM
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Originally Posted by MichMikeM:
Originally Posted by DMASSO:

If you put in track on the Lionel web site Product search, you will see tubular track. Yes, they still make it.

Nope.  Just tried.  182 products came up, but none of them traditional tubular.

Check that.  Just re-read your post.  I first hit the Store link on Lionel's site.  Went back and tried the Products link as you suggested and there I can see tubular.  Odd they have it on the base site, but not the store.

Mike

 

Yes as Walter says, mates right up with Lionel O tubular same rounded top. It is better IMO because unlike Lionel track,  the 2 outside rails are isolated and it is easy to make outside insulated rails to activate accessories. My layout has an automated block system using relays so this is a big plus for me. Lionel type uncoupling tracks,accessories etc, join right up as does O-27 with a some conversion pins.  My other layout is Atlas NS but I like the K-line just as well and it is much cheaper. Here are a few pics of some O-120 I purchased years ago. It is also a surprising quiet track for tubular,I think due to the thick plastic ties..

 

Click on the photo to enlarge. On the floor,bottom right of the first photo you will see part of a relay bank which switches the trains to keep them from colliding on a loop.

 

track 1

track 2

 

Dale H

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  • track 1
  • track 2
Last edited by Dale H

Mike,

FWIW, stay away from the Lionel tubular track. The same hold true for MTH tubular as well. Both are of very, very poor quality from you know where. I bought case lots of all sizes almost thirty-five years ago. Before Lionel started importing the flimsy, cheap poo-poo stuff. And have no regrets doing so.

Pop in over on the Tinplate Forum. There are a few members using brand-new high quality American made Tubular track.

Gargraves makes tubular "T" rail track & they have adapter pins to "mate"  with Lionel's track. Their straights are 37" long & are "flex" design, to be bent as needed. GG also makes preformed curves up to 072 as well as switches & X-ings. Their 3-rail track is available using stainless steel, for use where moisture is an issue.  

I use the quotes because I'm not sure it's actually Lionel.  The Lionel website only shows Fastrack, although I can find new tubular, identified as Lionel, on various websites and in train shops.  Is Lionel still making it, is all this inventory old stock, or did Lionel sell off the tools and rights to use the name on the old style track?  I ask because most of my layout is original postwar track and I'm thinking ahead to expansion and replacement of original fussy switches.  (My lottery winning plan is to swap everything out for Atlas O, but I'd have to play the lottery to win!) Thanks for any info you guys might have.

 

 

Update - Thanks to some replies below, it appears Lionel's site does show tubular track under the Products link.  However, if you go first to the Lionel Store link, it's only Fastrack.  Makes you wonder...

 

Originally Posted by ADCX Rob:
Originally Posted by MichMikeM:
 
Since it mates with tubular, I assume it's rounded and not flat topped like Fastrack or Atlas O

 FastTrack is rounded-top tubular and if you pull the track pins mates with "O".

I would never call Fastrack rounded top tubular.  At best I'd call it flat top tubular.  As I'm not currently near any track to take a picture, below is the best photo I could find with a quick search online showing the flat top profile.  It's true you can mate Fastrack with old style O, but it's not as simple as trading out the pins since they are not directly compatible.  You need the transition piece. 

fastrack

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  • fastrack
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