What's the best HO track made?

[dave1e]

:( Unfortunately, I bought a bunch of Bachmann track last year for my grandson's HO set. this year I am done trying to keep the rains on the junk track. It's all going into the garbage. Who makes the best HO train track?

[Administrator]

Hi Dave

Have you looked at ATLAS track? With 3 grades code 83, code 100 and the new line "True-Track, I'm sure you'll find some thing you like.

What was the problem with the Bachmann track?

[dave1e]

Thanks for the info; the problem I am having is the switches. The Pennsylvania Railroad passanger cars derail when traveling through the switches. I did try the Bachmann crossover tracks with less success. Is there anything built in America anymore? This Chinese junk is really getting my goat. My uncle has had HO scale trians for years (probably American made) and does not had any problems. I would gladly buy another scale or manufacture if I was sure it would be any better quality.

[Administrator]

I agree 100% with your comment (Is there anything built in America anymore? ) I must admit I'm an O guage guy. I have purchase no less than 3 high end Lionel engines with TMCC controler which I had to send back to the factory for repair. THESE WERE BROKEN RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!!!

Unfortunately we are getting off topic. I'd guess the passanger cars are too light to track properly through the switches. Try just one car with a small weight on top (before opening the car to put it inside.

[alby44]

:)Hi Dave, I use milled wood roadbed by Tru-Scale. It is made in the USA. You nail down the roadbed and then lay the rail which comes in 3 foot sections into a groove in the roadbed. You have to spike each side of the rail about every 10 to 12 inches. You will need a track gauge to keep the space between rails consistant but when you are finished you will have the smoothest riding trains in the neighborhood. I use nickle silver rail and it does not get as dirty as the brass rail. I will admit that it is a little on the costly side, but I think it is well worth it.
The info for BK Truscale is :
12874 County Road 314B
Buena Vista, CO. 81211-9102
[phone]
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.TroutCreekEng.com
Unfortunately, their web site does not have any photos or illustrations of the items, so you might try to find a Hobby shop that carries their products so you can see what you are getting. Hope this helps. Al from Barnegat, New Jersey

[caseyjones]

Dave: Have you checked to see if anything is wrong with how you have laid the track? Anything wrong with the loco itself or are you running your trains too fast? that also will cause trains to de-rail.