3-Rail Track Prices!!!

Yes indeed. I’m sure that’s why MTH stopped using solid rail. Atlas is beautiful though.

The good news about track prices is that you only have to pay once . Wait until you buy switches John

I guess difference between tubular and solid rail.  I’m a Gargraves guy myself.  I think noise production on solid rail is less.  A bit more prototypical look.  Not a fan of plastic ties for track.  
For the price, Gargraves is excellent!

Holy Cow!! That is a huge difference John.  Good info though as I’m looking at either Gargraves or Atlas track for my own layout in the future.

Years ago, I started using Gargraves track because it was so much less expensive than O27 tubular.  Not sure if that’s still the case.

Once in a while you see an ad from Steve Brenneisen comparing the price of his American made Ross switches to higher price Atlas switches.

Cost of brass.

I confess, all things being equal, I'd have used Atlas and Ross switches. I think Atlas switches are junk, even though they have improved them in the last few years.  However, I do like the track, just not at those prices.

@trainbob posted:

The good news about track prices is that you only have to pay once . Wait until you buy switches John

Bob, 24 Ross switches with the DZ-2500's and counting, well over $3,000 in switches!  I knew the switches were going to be a significant hit, but you do need them.

After following your thread on building a new layout I figured you would be using a sizable amount of switches.

I think my first design started out with nine, that went out the window in a HURRY!

For us old penny pinchers, Menards is making tubular track in 31, 36, 42, 54, 72 and 96.

A 24 pack of 54 is 50$, 72 is 55$ and 96 is 60$, delivered to the store. Since I'm not going anywhere near proto-typical, thats my choice.

Anyone use the RossPlate tubular switches, RTP125?

Yikes! The refurbished track market is where I'll go when it's time to build again.

Brass went through the roof a few years ago. It also impacted the #1 Gauge market with track doubling quickly. The 2-rail Atlas track is a bit less expensive (fewer rails/lighter rail stock), but not by much. Even ScaleTrax went up substantially.

@MR_P posted:

For us old penny pinchers, Menards is making tubular track in 31, 36, 42, 54, 72 and 96.

A 24 pack of 54 is 50$, 72 is 55$ and 96 is 60$, delivered to the store. Since I'm not going anywhere near proto-typical, thats my choice.

Anyone use the RossPlate tubular switches, RTP125?

I tried Rossplate #4 switches early last year and promptly returned them. Everything I ran through them--even my modern trains-- derailed. I really wanted to use the #4 switches, but went back to my K-Line super snap O72 switches. I modified them so the distance between tracks on crossovers is very close to what I would have had with #4s.

Even traditional tubular track is getting more expensive now that Lionel stopped producing it, especially the 40-inch straight sections.

I think Marty Fitzhenry told me on one of my visits to his home that he had approx. 85 Ross switches on his layout. Do the math on that one, Gunrunnerjohn!!

The mind boggles!

@BlueComet400 posted:

I think Marty Fitzhenry told me on one of my visits to his home that he had approx. 85 Ross switches on his layout. Do the math on that one, Gunrunnerjohn!!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Just thought it was interesting to see the contrast in prices, this indeed is an expensive hobby!

You should have witnessed the prices go up in one gauge for stainless track. My first box was one something ($140.00??).

My next box was near 400. For a brief period later on, some sellers wanted $800!

I should have bought all my track in the beginning. I would have had to borrow the money. It still would have cost less overall!

Being indoor, I went with the cheap stuff, Phantom tinplate.

And Ross and Gargraves are USA made,  Atlas is not.

And there are those out there that think this hobby can & will attract newcomers ?

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I confess, all things being equal, I'd have used Atlas and Ross switches. I think Atlas switches are junk, even though they have improved them in the last few years.  However, I do like the track, just not at those prices.

BOY!  John is crushing me... my poor atlas switches!!!    They seem to work fine so far.  I just bought 16 brand new, O72 switches at 70.00 apiece total... that price includes shipping and tax.  I'll let you know if they hold up.