When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
O-Gauge Grade Crossing – Tube Track Friendly by Cinder Streets
Realistic Asphalt Texture | Fits Lionel & Other O-Gauge Track
If you like the look and reliability of classic O-gauge tube track, there’s no reason to give it up just to make a good-looking grade crossing.
This O-gauge grade crossing is designed specifically to work with Lionel tube track and other O-gauge track systems, while preserving the original character of traditional layouts and dramatically improving appearance.
Once installed and landscaped, it looks like a real paved road crossing the right-of-way — not a piece of molded plastic dropped between the rails.
Real asphalt look — not smooth plastic
The road surface has a true asphalt-style texture:
It has the slightly rough, matte look of real pavement, which blends naturally with ballast, scenery, and weathering.
The crossing represents a two-lane road, correctly proportioned for O-gauge layouts.
Designed to reduce derailments
One of the most distinctive features of this crossing is the use of machine-cut PLA “rubber” infill strips placed between the rails.
These strips:
Fill the gaps between track rails
Eliminate hard edges that can catch wheel flanges
Reduce derailments at the crossing
Provide a forgiving surface instead of rigid plastic or wood
This makes the crossing both more realistic and more operationally friendly.
Track-height friendly profile
The road surface tapers down to approximately 1 mm at the edges
Matches the height of the surrounding track and scenery
Transitions cleanly into road plates, foam, or layout surface
No abrupt steps or awkward shimming required.
Modular road system compatible
Matching road plate sections made from the same textured material are available separately, allowing you to extend the roadway naturally beyond the crossing for a continuous, realistic scene.
The photos also show TwistLock O-gauge ties, which are part of a separate listing and are not included with this item.
Summary
This grade crossing is designed for modelers who:
Want to keep classic O-gauge tube track
Care about realistic road appearance
Want smoother operation through crossings
Prefer solutions that look original, not modern plastic
Once installed and landscaped, it reads immediately as a real road crossing a real railroad — and it operates as well as it looks.
