All good info, thanks!
Harmonyards: I understand what you mean, but when the track gets old and beat up, it is harder for me to tell.
Royboy & D500: I know some of the pins have been changed because I have changed some myself. :-(
Steve: As for the pierced holes, a lot of this track is used, so some otherwise clean holes have been distorted by screws and nails. Still, that particular tip is very useful.
Moonman: I have a great deal of 034, and it, of course, is easy to distinguish. I am a persistent advocate of 034 when folks ask about tubular layouts.
I was unaware that MARX made any silver/gray tie track. Now I will need to look more closely at that bundle, too.
I need to look closely at the tie crimps to understand this distinction: "There's a difference in the crimp of the tie to rail and the Marx tie bottom is straight and folded a little tighter (like a box) than the Lionel which is slightly rounded on the long side and the end fold is not as tight."
Mitch: I have some clearly Lionel with 6 holes, but I do also have some with three. Your tip will at least help me eliminate the 3-holers!
Looks like I have an evening cut out for me!
Thanks, all!
