Buying used track: You’ve heard the old saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Well, for model railroaders – as tempting as it sounds – saving money by buying used track may not be the bargain it seems. Repurposing a few pieces of track might help you purchase another boxcar or perhaps a few more trees. But is it worthwhile in the long run? It depends. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Repurposed Track
The best reason to buy used track is obvious – the price. Used track is certainly economical and can be a great option for stretching your modeling dollars. Train shows and hobby shops with consignment sections are excellent places to search for new-to-you track. If that’s your chosen route, look for track that’s gently used, preferably unpainted and unballasted. Once track has been painted, soldered, and ballasted, it’s often difficult to remove without damage.
Inspect used turnouts with particular care. Make sure the switch rod travels freely through its full range of motion and the points seat properly against the stock rails. As seen in Rehab My Railroad: Rail recovery effort, Episode 2, David Popp and Cody Grivno didn’t have much luck salvaging painted and ballasted turnouts off the Jones Island section of the HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Usable second-hand track should show little to no signs of wear. Sections must be clean and straight (or intentionally smoothly curved). If used track isn’t in excellent condition, you may run into issues with electrical continuity and/or derailments.
Also check the bottom of the ties on used track. If the track was secured with adhesive, there could be residue on the ties that may cause it not to lay flat. You don’t want to spend hours cleaning track that may not be salvageable in the long run. The firmer track was originally secured in someone else’s layout, the tougher it will be to clean and start fresh on yours. Used track that was secured with track nails may be a better option.
With luck and smart shopping, you may be able to go home with smooth-running track at an attractive price.
Purchasing new track
Always a strategic move. In most cases, experienced modelers will steer clear of potential problems by purchasing new track. Prices vary depending on scale and manufacturer. Code 100 HO scale flextrack from Wm. K. Walthers Inc. is $7.50 for one 36” piece or you can purchase a 5-pack for $37.95. New code 80 N scale Atlas flextrack is $5.95 for one 29” piece. Almost all track manufacturers have a print catalog and website. If you want to take a closer look at track, visit your local hobby shop or a train show.
Quality and reliability often tip the scales in favor of brand-new track. It’s a good feeling to know that your trains will run smoothly when your work is done. However, you may need to open up the wallet just a tad. That brand new Big Boy may have to wait until your birthday!
