HO Scale Tram / Trolley grooved track

[E231-500]

Good evening all!

 

As I have posted previously, I am a member of my local tram preservation group (Perth Electric Tramway Society - www.petswa.org.au)

 

We are coming up soon to our 40th anniversary, so as part of our celebrations we plan on having open days for our carbarn. As part of our displays we would like to have a small model tramway set up.

 

I've had plenty of experience with modelling overhead catenary and trolley wire, but my question is in regards to prototypical grooved track used in tramways.

 

I have found a product online from the US at https://www.proto87.com/Street_track_for_trolleys_and_trams.html but I am looking for opinions on other similar track that might be available in HO Scale. The proto 87 track looks good but I know the maker is looking to wind up production possibly due to retirement, and laying the track looks very time consuming (But not something that would turn me off using it).

 

Has anyone had experience with any other similar products, or knows any website or company that sells such track? I found the Tilig track but it seems they discontinued it back in 2023. Also their track was quite expensive, and being a volunteer organisation, funding is a bit tight (I will probably cover part of the cost myself to help out).

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Junech]

I would guess that since it would tend to a small market, most solutions would be expensive if you want a ready-to-use track.

 

If you want to build things yourself (besides switches and crossings), you can take a look at Swedtram's profiles. But you will need to order a catalog online to view everything they have.

 

https://www.swedtram.se/

 

1m profile seems to be at around 6€ (https://www.weichen-walter.de/ww-onlineshop/product_info.php?products_id=224)

 

If you would be fine with taking Tillig switches, you can build the rest yourself from standard track too. You can just take another profile and place it next the the profile on each side without removing the fastenings. That way you got a gap big enough to get safe operations. You just need to fill the middle with your desired roadsurvice.

 

I just have 2 pictures of it at hand. One with a really old and wider track:

 

And one with a more modern track:

 

You can also lay the inside track at a 90-degree angle, but you will need to grind off one side of the inlay profile to get it down. It also requires a smaller profile in general. You can find pictures of that here: https://www.weichen-walter.de/produkte/profile/detail/rillenprofil.html

[E231-500]

Thanks Junech!

 

I figured getting ready to run would be expensive. I have ordered some of the track from proto87 just to see what it is like and if it will suit my needs.

 

I will look into the swedetram track you linked to.

 

I have tried making my own using standard HO flex track and utilising n scale track for the groove side. I made a test length of track with copper pcb sleepers to solider the two rails down, then removing the plastic sleepers. I didn't have too much success with smooth running but i think if I use code 83 rail rather than code 100 it might work better.

 

Thanks for all the info! I appreciate it.

[Junech]

Our process normally is to just lay the normal track and after that either glue it into place or if really needed add brass screws between the track and solder the inlay profile to that. If you want to not use the brass screws you will need to bend the profile into place before glueing it down.

 

Since we build cobble stone streets ourselves, we just add plaster or putty in between, which helps too.

Found 1 other picture which is a little closer, although it is H0e track: