How Much Does O Gauge Model Railroad Track Cost?
Our Choosing O Gauge Model Railroad Track page discusses the pros and cons of the various manufacturers’ brands of model railroad track, and includes a table showing what straight, curved, and switch track pieces each brand offers.
But, each brand has its strengths, and no clear winner is obvious (although all-in-one tracks are probably best for beginners). So, we also compared by price the basic pieces needed to build an O gauge model railroad layout:
| Manufacturer: | Lionel | Lionel | MTH | Atlas | Gargraves | Ross |
| Brand: | O-27 | Fastrack | RealTrax | 21st Century | Phantom Line | Super Line |
| Track Type: | Tubular | All-in-One | All-in-One | Solid Rail | Tubular | Tubular |
| Minimum Curve | $1.99 | $4.79 | $4.49 | $6.35 | $7.20 | $6.99 |
| Standard Straight | $2.49 | $5.49 | $8.99 | $5.50 | $3.05 | $5.49 |
| Remote Switch | $49.99 | $111.99 | $64.95 | $85.95 | $74.75 | $79.95 |
For a real world example, look at the layout in figure 1, a simple oval using eight minimum curve tracks, and four straight tracks:
Now, look at what this layout would cost using each type of track above:
| Manufacturer: | Lionel | Lionel | MTH | Atlas | Gargraves | Ross |
| Brand: | O-27 | Fastrack | RealTrax | 21st Century | Phantom Line | Super Line |
| Track Type: | Tubular | All-in-One | All-in-One | Solid Rail | Tubular | Tubular |
| Minimum Curve | $1.99 | $4.79 | $4.49 | $6.35 | $7.20 | $6.99 |
| Standard Straight | $2.49 | $5.49 | $8.99 | $5.50 | $3.05 | $5.49 |
| Oval Layout | $25.88 | $60.28 | $71.88 | $72.80 | $69.80 | $77.88 |
The main difference between the various brands is the size of the minimum curve: for O-27 tubular track, it is 27″ diameter; Lionel FasTrack comes with a 36″ diameter; MTH RealTrax is a 31″ diameter; Atlas is 27″ diameter; Gargraves is 32″ diameter; Ross is 31″ diameter.
Few people are satisfied with a simple oval of track. So, lets stretch out the oval to better fit the 4×8 sheet of plywood it’s on, add a couple switches (easily the most expensive piece of O gauge track in a model railroad layout) and some curves and straights to create industrial sidings:
This layout adds two switches, three curved tracks (one cut in half), and 22 straight tracks (two cut in half), so we have a total of 10 curves, 26 straights, and two switches, which would cost:
| Manufacturer: | Lionel | Lionel | MTH | Atlas | Gargraves | Ross |
| Brand: | O-27 | Fastrack | RealTrax | 21st Century | Phantom Line | Super Line |
| Track Type: | Tubular | All-in-One | All-in-One | Solid Rail | Tubular | Tubular |
| Minimum Curve | $1.99 | $4.79 | $4.49 | $6.35 | $7.20 | $6.99 |
| Standard Straight | $2.49 | $5.49 | $8.99 | $5.50 | $3.05 | $5.49 |
| Remote Switch | $49.99 | $111.99 | $64.95 | $85.95 | $74.75 | $79.95 |
| Oval with Sidings | $184.62 | $414.62 | $408.54 | $378.40 | $300.80 | $372.54 |
So, it’s obvious that all-in-one track is the most expensive route, but not terrifically more expensive than Atlas 21st Century solid rail or Ross tubular track. However, the all-in-one tracks offer simplicity that may well be worth the additional amount, especially the $30-some dollars you would save with Atlas or Ross track.
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I’m confused. What is the total cost including tracks, switches, (connection wiring to transformer if not included)? Is it $414.62 or is it 414.62 + the itemized parts listed above it?
Thank you
Thanks for visiting the website! The $414.62 price includes all the pieces of track listed, but does not include a transformer or wiring.