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Track Buying Guide
Many hobbyists struggle with one of the most basic issues of running toy trains, and that is which track to use. 3 rail O gauge comes in an amazing array of radii & sizes. Following is a basic guide to track types, with pros & cons. If you are looking for recommendations, we suggest the folowing:
- Use Lionel O for basic or advanced toy train layouts. Lay track on cork or foam base, add extra wooden ties, and ballast for a better look.
- Use Lionel Fastrack for a more realistic appearance, use foam to isolate it from the table to lessen noise problem. Ballast can be spot painted to give it a more realistic appearance & to blend in with scenery.
- Use AtlasO track for the advanced layout, for the best operation, and realistic look. Lay track on cork, foam, or roadbed, and ballast for the best appearance.
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| Lionel O27 tinplate track: |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
| Basic tubular track that has been around almost 100 years. Strictly for toy train layouts |
5", 9", 35" straight
27" 42" 54" curves |
Cheap, widely available
Simple, easy to use
Can be made more realistic with additional wooden ties, and ballast |
Toy like look
Sharp edges, use gloves
Must be screwed down |
| Lionel O tinplate track: |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
Similar to the 027, but more heavy duty construction
Strictly for toy train layouts |
5", 10", 40" straight
27" 42" 54" 72" curves |
Cheap, widely available
Simple, easy to use
Can be made more realistic with additional wooden ties, and ballast |
Toy like look
Sharp edges, use gloves
Must be screwed down |
| Lionel Fastrack |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
A new type of tubular track with ballasted look base
More of a scale appearance |
1 3/4", 4 1/2", 5", 10" ,30" straight
36" 42" 60" 72" 84" curves |
Realistic appearance
Easy to use/durable
Great electrical conductivity
Trains run smooth |
Very loud running, must be insulated from table
Unrealistic rail profile |
| MTH Realtrax |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
A new type of track with solid rails & ballasted look base
More of a scale appearance |
3 1/2", 4 1/4", 5", 5 1/2", 10", 30" straight
31" 42" 54" 72" 82" curves |
Realistic appearance
Trains run smooth |
Requires careful handling as copper contacts bend & break
It seems difficult to join at first, but then clicks together
Realistic rail profile |
| Atlas O |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
A new type of track with solid rails
More of a scale appearance |
1 1/4", 4 1/2", 5", 10", 40" straight & 40" flextrack
27" 36" 45" 54" 72" 90" curves |
Realistic appearance
Trains run smooth |
Not widely available
Needs to be ballasted |
| GarGraves Trackage |
Sizes: |
Pros: |
Cons: |
| Tubular track for professional look |
Numerous sizes |
Realistic appearance
Trains run smooth
Can be cut for custom fitting |
Flexible track can be difficult to use for beginners
Needs to be ballasted |
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