I like running tinplate prewar and reproductions. I want to ditch the realtrax and go with something that works. Any recommendations on going forward.
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Gargrave's or the tinplate track. Menard's still makes it.
I like tinplate track...
And you can add wood ties and ballast if you desire for the same look people would have had in the 1930's.
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I'd go with tinplate track if you want the period-accurate look for your train layout. There is tons of it out there, and even in like-new condition, you can get it pretty cheap at train shows. And if you don't have any train shows in your area, forum sponsor TinMan3Rail sells refurbished tinplate track.
Andy
My all-tinplate layout (which is separate from my regular O gauge layout) uses Lionel FasTrack exclusively, including the switches. It has served very well for the past couple of years, and has been trouble-free. My regular O layout is fitted with GarGraves track and Ross switches--again exclusively. There are a number of good track systems out there, but I use what works well for me.
For 100% tinplate accuracy (everything else on that layout is or will be 100% metal, including building, vehicles, figures, and other accessories, I likely would have gone with tinplate track, but since I have so much FasTrack available, I decided to make use of it. Plus, I kind of like the build-in roadbed.
If I did use the tinplate track and switches, I would want everything to be as new as possible. I'm too darn old to spend time and effort cleaning-up rusty track sections.
If you want a lot of track and track switches, go for 027 and Marx 1590 metal frog switches. 027 track is low cost and Mark switches are the lowest cost. My 31 Marx switches cost about $5 a pair over many years and can be had at trains shows today at $10 a pair. Do not bother getting the switch controllers as cheap mini push button switches will work fine and it is easy to make a track diagram control panel with them. The Marx switches are very reliable and easy to repair, even in place on the layout.
Charlie
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Lionel O-gauge track can be found at bargain prices, and wider curves are available. The only limitation is that you're (mostly) limited to switches in O31 and O72 curvature.
Just in case you don't already know, O27 and O-gauge track are not easily compatible. If one is running short equipment, O27 can be found at really low prices and a lot of track will fit into a small space.
@Andy Hummell posted:I'd go with tinplate track if you want the period-accurate look for your train layout. T
Most layout design books back in the day were put out by Lionel and so obviously they promoted their own track and it was the most easily accessible at hobby and department stores. BUT, Gargraves has been around since the 40s so you would not necessarily be "period-INaccurate" if you were to use Gargraves or Ross track.
