TraditionalCatholic, thanx for converting the LGB ratings into feet which I better understand. I never realized LGB had R5 curves only R1, R2 and R3. I just learned something myself. As for the Aristocraft track they are all code 332 but do have a choice of USA style or European style. Back in the day when I started up grading from Bacman myself to Aristocraft, the European style was the most popular to buy and readily in stock. I noticed the USA style back then had to be ordered by many hobby shops. Later I found out why many bought the European style, the ties are wider and more durable than that of the USA style which has skinnier ties which are more fragile. I have stuck with European style rail ties ever since. I have even accidentally stepped on top of the track and never phased it and I'm not light weight at 250 lbs.
To show you how junky Bachman track and transformers are, someone has a complete oval of track and a transfomrer from a Bachman Spectrum set. The bid on this was only at $13.50 when I last saw it. Bachman's track is not treated nor is it Nickle, it's just plain metal and the joints slide together making this the weakest track on the market for conductivity.
Bachman Track I Use the Bachman track, and aggree, it is not of the best of quality. It does work ok indoors.......(Ive had my shelf layout up and running for 2 years......no problems) However, I did solder all the joints ......well.....at least 75 percent of them, and the family room has never looked so good!!! I wouldnt even dream of using it outdoors, it would rust away in no time flat. D
Becareful about moisture inside during the seasons. That too can cause it to rust away. I have vinyl floors in my basement and during hot summer months, the floor tends to bleed moisture if the A/C isn't on. My Aristo/LGB Track hold up fine to it, but bachmann track would surely be rusted over in a month.
Thanks again for your help. I have learned alot. I am researching everything now and hope to run accross a deal on good track. Since I am a few weeks before starting the drywall in my upstairs addition where the track will go I am not rushing it. I may have to scale it back for now, my hope was to have it go through the wall and through 2 rooms. I have seen MRC powerpacks going for fairly good prices, any opinion?
The MRC 6200 is a very good pack, plenty of power and smooth operation. I use this one and couldn't be happier.
Shelves Marvelle, Since you are doing a shelf type layout, I thought Id post a few pics of my train room. The shelves are 3/4 ply, oak veneer, with oak molding on the visible edges. They are attached to the wall studs with steel "L" brackets. the brackets are hidden underneath the shelf by decorative strips of oak. The corner areas are larger pieces of oak ply, and the bridge accross the room is supported by chains anchored into the ceiling. Its been running for 2 years, and has had several different engines on it. The only problem is it uses only 4 ft. radius curves, so larger engines cant fit. Thats ok, though, as I dont think I want a really heavy engine up there anyway!!!! D
dmiller, you have done a beautiful job in this room. Very nice and nothing is over done, everything goes well together, great job. I too ran Bachman track indoors like you, but on shelves mounted on walls much like what you did. Once I decided to go on the floor however in the basement, Bachman track was out. Due to moisture in the basement, even with a dehumidityfier, I went with Aristocraft brass track which most of it is 9 years old now. Still going strong and I didn't solder any joints, just went with 3ft sections for less joints. I also see you have a few USA Trains running on the shelf
Marvelle, The MRC is a nice power pack and pretty popular don't get me wrong. But there is no comparison to Bridgewerks transformers. MRC is great for switchers and starter sets, but would never use it on any of my up scale locomotives. Bridgewerks uses a DC filter system which they have patented. Transformers converts AC to DC current. Not too many people know that under a occiloscope, AC current has ripples in it which vary from one power plant to another. Most transformers when they convert AC to DC will carry this ripple into the DC which is harmful to any DC motor. This ripple cause a actual small lightning storm inside the motor, much like arc welding, striking the armature and finally causing failure. This is a pure fact and is not some made up myth, of course it's on a small scale that it does take time before a failure happens. I think you should give Bridgewerks a investigation before you buy anything and talk to Dave who owns Bridgewerks, he is real nice and will explain things better than I can. I talked to him at this years ECLS train show and said if he took 2 of the same locomotives and powered one by MRC and the other by Bridgewerks in a 24 hour test run, he could disassemble them and show you how the armatures got damaged in the MRC powered locomotive. Ultimately it's your money and you have to make your own investigating and decisions. I have many locomotives and a few for 9 years. My NW-2 cow and calf are the oldest at 9 years along with my F3 ABBA locomotives. In the 9 years I have bought and run 15 locomotives and only had 1 motor failure on my NW-2 calf, thats it. Here is a link to Bridgewerks AC ripple chart > http://www.bridgewerks.com/Pages/Ripplechart.html Here is Bridgewerks home site > http://www.bridgewerks.com/ I don't get any comission from this, just trying to help.
USA Trains EMD, The shelf project has been one of the most fun wood working things I have tackled!! And by far, has gotten the most comments!!!! lol Xmas is the best time for this layout, as the room lends itself to the decorations.....just wish I could get a better Steam loco that runs on 4 ft radius curves.....the Bachman ones I have are not holding up too well. May need to switch them to battery power. Yes, you have a good eye, as I do run some USA Trains stock! I dont have much experience with other manufactureres, and have been pleased with the locomotives I have purchased from USA, (mainly from a well known hobby shop located not far from me.....not sure about the rules of mentioning names....) My rolling stock is a hodge podge, mostly from Ebay. USA, LGB, Bachman and a couple others I cant recall. All have run well on the shelf, as long as I make the couplers match. I wil see how well the plastic trucks behave outdoors.......but for now, dont plan on running all my stuff outside, just a select few, till I see how things work. D
D, I like the plywood with the molding on the sides for appearance and added strength. I was thinking of ripping oak boards and pocketholing them together, but the way you did it would be cheaper and stronger. Thanks. On the track has anyone used Gargraves track? They use wooden ties with stainless track. It is 3 foot section flextrack with pin connectors. I am not concerned about the wood since it is indoors but what peaks my interest is that it is far cheaper then even Bachmann track. They are sending me a sample to check out. Most brass track I have seen is $7-$10 per foot even on Ebay but this is less then $3 new.
Gargraves? I'm familiar with the track but only in S-Scale and O-Scale (I used to own an O-Scale and a vintage American Flyer Set; sold them off to pay for my booster unit and rolling stock). But G-Scale? They make Gargraves track in G?
My buddy has Gargraves O scale track, I have never seen Gargraves in G either. I have never seen it advertised in Garden Model Railroad magazine.
I went to Gargraves website. I found it. It's listed under #1 Scale (G-Scale). Why is it constantly called "Scale." we have 5 different scales. It should be Gauge. But reguardless, no pictures but it is listed.
DragonFyreGT. Gargraves can't be a popular G scale track as I never se any of it used. of course if it's real wood I can see why. This wouldn't be a track I would consider since how track is a investment and has re-sale value if it's any good. It's like what would have a better resale value, a Chevy Tahoe or Chevy Aveo? The Tahoe may cost more but you will have it longer, if not you can get alot of your money back out of it.
Well S-Scale Gargaves track is usually long straight pieces that can be bent into various shapes. I assume that G-Scale Gargraves works under the same concept.
