Super O track question

Be advised that there is a Yahoo Internet Discussion Group devoted to Super O Track.  Members of that Group are very knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge (and some even sell the Super O track and components that you need).  If you are not already a Yahoo member, you have to register but it is free.  Here’s the link: Lionel_SuperO_Track - Yahoo Groups

 

HTH,

 

Bill 

Thank you Gentleman. I found a few lots of Super O track for sale on ebay, I suppose it would not hurt to pickup some extra Bus Bars as well.

watch out for the reproduction buss bars.  they suck. 

 

The originals are much better...

 

The repor ones are often called new old stock and have scratches on the sides of them and anre thicker than the originals and do not have the spring grip of the originals, hence my comment on they come up.

 

 

Uncle-

 

I use Super O exclusively.  There were also pins made to rapidly connect Super O to traditional tubular track.  I use them alot, and work fine, so you can easily connect it to fastrack or whatever sheetmetal track.

 

There are several of us here who still use it.  For power I still prefer and use the #43 power track which is about 1.5" long and has both connections.  Or you can use the individual power clips and grounding clips to attach them anywhere.

 

You can always jump on here an post super o q's and a number of us can help...

Bob, Thank you for the help and info. I've been browsing ebay and have found a lot of Super O items. Some track lots look brand new and in excellent condition while others look a bit rusted. Prices vary, but in your opinion, what would be a fair price for a section of track that's in excellent condition?  This will be a dedicated section of my layout so I will not be connecting to another make of track.

Super O has some big advantages. Tiny uncoupling magnets fit just about anywhere. Any straight section can be equipped with a pair of "blades" for operating cars. Curved and straight sections with insulated outer rails are available. I used one section on each side of a grade crossing for realistic operation. A switcher with a car or two or a small motorized unit (Gang Car, Trolley) allowed the gates to go up and crossing signals to stop, but freight and passenger trains worked fine.

 

Super O switches can be troublesome but if you don't need them that is not an issue.

I also use Super O only.   It is the best track system IMO.   As was mentioned by others make sure you use the postwar power buses.   The repo's are crap.  Some have mentioned some problems with the switches but I have never had a derailment or had a train not able to make the curve.   For power I use both the clips and the small lock on type track.

Track in excellent condition seems to be running about $4 a section.  Michael Spanier, who hosts the Yahoo Super O group, also deals in the track.  The group has answers to a lot of questions plus articles on restoring the track and making wide radius curves.

Thank you all for the help. I have some track original power buses on the way. Can't wait to try it out.

Just to give you a heads up, they have some super O on Dash right now under track & switches. I don't know if your familiar with the Dash auctions or not. That's. where Trains has gone with some of their auctions.

It's a really neat track system.  There are some of us (me included) who wish Lionel would bring it back.  Wide radius curves can be made without too much effort, and Ross switches works with it.  One of the forum members has made custom wide radius switches using Super O components.  If you want original switches look for the 112R versions.  They are a later version and work better.