Will pointed me towards Aristocraft
What 45mm track?
Mostly LGB, but the very large radius curves are from another manufacturer (quite possibly Aristocraft, but I can't honestly remember!) At any rate both types have lasted well, needing only cleaning when running the electric locos.
Edit - actually I tell a lie - the LGB points havn't lasted so well, the mechanisms no longer work and, the often won't close properly (presumably because of trapped dirt/ballast) causing derailments, and the electric locos often stall on the dead frogs. (By that, of course, I mean the component at the centre of the point - I don't have dead animals on my line!) Might be worth scratchbuilding your own points, especially as it's also cheaper that way...
Edit - actually I tell a lie - the LGB points havn't lasted so well, the mechanisms no longer work and, the often won't close properly (presumably because of trapped dirt/ballast) causing derailments, and the electric locos often stall on the dead frogs. (By that, of course, I mean the component at the centre of the point - I don't have dead animals on my line!) Might be worth scratchbuilding your own points, especially as it's also cheaper that way...
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SillyBilly
- Retired Director
- Posts: 3536
- Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:00 pm
I have had a collection of LGB and Aristocraft track here in Tennessee on my back deck.
Much of it was bought four or so years ago, before the prices went high, and much of the LGB is secondhand, paid about $2-3 a foot for it here in the States.
Of the two, I would stick with LGB. Aristo is "cheaper" in price, but also in quality, from China afterall. I sold much of it on eBay, at a bit of a profit.
I kept with these brands as they interchange, and they make for a "put down and take up" railway for the kids and I to play with then move.
I know that there are a couple other options now, including Piko (expensive) Accucraft are selling track in the UK. Sunset Valley has a dealer in the UK somewhere, and there are Tenmille and Brandbright too.
Much of it was bought four or so years ago, before the prices went high, and much of the LGB is secondhand, paid about $2-3 a foot for it here in the States.
Of the two, I would stick with LGB. Aristo is "cheaper" in price, but also in quality, from China afterall. I sold much of it on eBay, at a bit of a profit.
I kept with these brands as they interchange, and they make for a "put down and take up" railway for the kids and I to play with then move.
I know that there are a couple other options now, including Piko (expensive) Accucraft are selling track in the UK. Sunset Valley has a dealer in the UK somewhere, and there are Tenmille and Brandbright too.
Garrett
"Some say that Mamods have problems. Whatever. I view them as opportunities for improvement."
"Some say that Mamods have problems. Whatever. I view them as opportunities for improvement."
I suspect I will have to go to The Engine Shed at some point to get some track for Anna! The Engine Shed's website is here: www.gaugemaster.co.uk
If anyone knows somewhere that sells LGB or Aristocraft track cheaper please inform me!
Having looked at the dual gauge track available, it is rather expensive and I am going with Jim's suggestion of having a 45mm branch line
If anyone knows somewhere that sells LGB or Aristocraft track cheaper please inform me!
Having looked at the dual gauge track available, it is rather expensive and I am going with Jim's suggestion of having a 45mm branch line
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SillyBilly
- Retired Director
- Posts: 3536
- Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 11:00 pm
Try http://www.track-shack.com/index.php?ca ... 2ffefa7418 the AMS NG stuff looks rather nice, although more expensive.
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Chris Cairns
- Driver
- Posts: 2366
- Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:25 pm
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Yes and no, the rail profile is not exact, the Aristo track is a TIGHT fit in LGB joints.steamyjim wrote:So Aristocraft and LGB are compatible?
But other than this, no running problems.
LGB track cannot be found for reasonable prices now. This summer I sold my 1600 series points I bought new for $45 US for well over $150 each! And as far returns to production, look at 2007 prices and add 35% is the current rumor on the street.
Why much of my LGB got sold off and a return to my SM32 roots from the 1980s...
Garrett
"Some say that Mamods have problems. Whatever. I view them as opportunities for improvement."
"Some say that Mamods have problems. Whatever. I view them as opportunities for improvement."
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