[Deere Lines]

Hi guys,
Looking to find out who makes the best track for a magne-traction layout. Is it the flexible type or rigid? The manufacturer? Who makes the best turnouts, for, reliability, operation, ease of instalation/resetting down the road, compatability with the Lionel Legacy system and are any derail free? Which track/turnout
look the most realistic? To roll it all together which gives the most bang for the buck?
This is probably like the oil debate on the auto sites, but well worth asking.
Bill

PS The best place to purchase the winner would be useful too


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[Spence]

Ross switches & track in my opinion but I'm sure you'll get other opinions.

 

[Deere Lines]

Ross switches & track in my opinion but I'm sure you'll get other opinions.

Thanks Spence. Ross direct the best or is there a bulk seller that is cheaper?

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[Lehigh74]

I've never found Ross at a discount. Gargraves mates with Ross, is less expensive and you can find it at reduced prices at places like Just Trains and Nicholas Smith. Gargraves switches are not as good as Ross, but they are quite a bit less expensive.

 

[rogruth]

Deere Lines mentioned he wanted track for a Magnetraction layout.
Are Ross and Gargraves the best choice for that?
I thought metal connection of outside rails was needed for Magnetraction.

 

[Millstonemike]

Both Ross and Gargraves tinplate work with Magnetraction. Gargraves stainless steel will not as stainless steel is not ferromagnetic.

 

[Deere Lines]

Thanks guys, yes I actually was aware I need ferrous tracking. Is the flex track any good? Seem to remember reading somewhere it can cause derailments and is easy to link. Is that a correct assessment?
Bill

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[Maxum]

The cheapest place I've found to purchase Gargraves flex track by the case is Ross. I believe there is some kind of a company tie between Ross and Gargraves.

 

[Lehigh74]

Thanks guys, yes I actually was aware I need ferrous tracking. Is the flex track any good? Seem to remember reading somewhere it can cause derailments and is easy to link. Is that a correct assessment?
Bill

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Flex track is fine. It’s easy to bend to any radius curve when it’s new, but smaller radii curves can be difficult. If you don’t use the proper method to bend it, you might kink it. Never had a problem with derailments on Gargraves flex track. I’ve had more than a few derailments on old style Gargraves switches (with sheet metal points) with rolling stock that is less than ideal. Newer style Gargraves switches (with solid metal points) are much better. Ross switches are better still. Even the old style Gargraves switches can give trouble free operation if your rolling stock has proper gauge and weight.

 

[Lehigh74]

The cheapest place I've found to purchase Gargraves flex track by the case is Ross. I believe there is some kind of a company tie between Ross and Gargraves.

Steven Ross Brenneisen used to work for Gargraves. When he designed and produced his switches, he made them to mate with Gargraves track.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I believe Ross buys their raw track material from Gargraves to this day.

 

[Deere Lines]

I believe Ross buys their raw track material from Gargraves to this day.

Good info. Any other additional insight welcomed!!

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[Deere Lines]

Flex track is fine. It’s easy to bend to any radius curve when it’s new, but smaller radii curves can be difficult. If you don’t use the proper method to bend it, you might kink it. Never had a problem with derailments on Gargraves flex track. I’ve had more than a few derailments on old style Gargraves switches (with sheet metal points) with rolling stock that is less than ideal. Newer style Gargraves switches (with solid metal points) are much better. Ross switches are better still. Even the old style Gargraves switches can give trouble free operation if your rolling stock has proper gauge and weight.

Lehigh74,
So if you stay above 042 track radius, it is easy to bend? Where can you get good instruction on bending the tracking?
Bill

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[Pingman]

If you look on the web, there is plenty of info on how to bend GarGraves flex track:

https://www.google.com/search?q=how...1.69i57j0l2.7483j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Of course, once bent, the individual rails are skewed due to their different radii, and, will need to be trimmed to attach another piece of track. That will entail a variety of different techniques for cutting the rails.

I bent plenty of GG flex track years ago; but, now I prefer to use sectional curve track from Ross and GarGraves.

 

[flyernut]

Call GarGraves and ask about any type of special pricing if you buy in bulk...You'll probably get Mike on the phone or his brother Tom..Their phone # is 1-315-483-6577.

 

[67flh]

I prefer the Ross Track and Ross Switches with their Roadbed. Gives a great look and there are a lot of options.

 

[Norton]

Our club uses Gargraves flex track and Ross switches almost exclusively. Not sure Mike will discount small orders as it undercuts his dealers but maybe if you place a large enough order you might get the wholesale price. I haven't checked prices in a while but Justrains used to offer good deals on Gargraves track.

Pete

 

[Deere Lines]

Our club uses Gargraves flex track and Ross switches almost exclusively. Not sure Mike will discount small orders as it undercuts his dealers but maybe if you place a large enough order you might get the wholesale price. I haven't checked prices in a while but Justrains used to offer good deals on Gargraves track.



Pete

What dollar amount constitutes a small and large order?

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