I have purchased some 1950s VB track which I saw on ebay recently and is in good condition. I am well aware of its association with Marklin M Track. However, I have got the second version which has a brass third rail but was mounted on quite an attractive silver coloured metal bedding, and no, it isn't Primark. Another rail and it would make quite decent London Underground tube track but that is wishful thinking! The first type, released in 1950, was a sandy colour, and the third kind abandoned the third rail altogether and had studs [pukos] instead. Does anybody know the years in which this, second, silver grey version was available? From my own estimation, it could have only been a few years in the latter part of the 1950s that it was advertised. I think by the time Triang swallowed up VB in 1960 the stud system was already in use.

I would also like to know what electrical system should be deployed as ostensibly it seems AC loks and electrics should be used. However, I have seen reference to VB trains and track being 12volt DC, similar to Hornby Dublo. To avoid damage to my loks and possible summoning of the emergency services, could anyone clarify, please? Any recommendation for a controller? The feeder track, by the way, has three terminals.

I would also appreciate any technical tips/insights regarding using this track. I have frequently read that all the VB items were well made and respected for good quality in France and even in the UK until Triang came along and smashed it to pieces, spitting it out a year later. in 1961. It is worth noting that their modern day counterpart, Hornby is doing exactly the same thing to Electrotren, Jouef and Rivarossi. Let's hope they don't get hold of Marklin!

I have a two rail 12v DC VB loco.

It has pick ups that would have been interchangeable so that it could run on 3 rail, Hornby style.

Like this:

vb435 by dralowid, on Flickr

Battered but good quality.

For those who remember London in the 50s/60s VB was available at the big toy shop, Hamleys, in Regent Street. I remember there was a track all the way round an upstairs balcony and the Mistral, with silver coaches could be seen running at high speed with pantographs sparking when the lights were turned down. Of course at the time it was a record breaker.

There is nothing quite like live catenary...

Thanks for suggesting the VB-book. Attached 2 pics just to illustrate VB's charm. Very good in combination with Marklins 3800/3900.

Kind regards,
Marc/VB3900

sorry fot that.

Hi Marc,

It depends on whether running 2 rail or 3 rail.
Outside rails in your layout must be electrically either ALL isolated (for two rail) or ALL connected (for 3 rail)!
If you have ONE rail somewhere different it may cause a problem.

Adapting rail:
Can you check with a multi-meter that outside rails are isolated from the middle rail/puko?
And then check that the outside rails are isolated from each other.
VB may have made the adapting-rail on the assumption that the outside rails are connected (which is OK for 3 rail).

Kimball

Hi VB 3900: Where did you source your VB track and catenary? It's a risky business on eBay although I have been lucky. Have you got any tips on how and best places to buy? Thanks. Twinrover.

The vendors on Ebay.fr have been OK for me so far. Many of them say they will not post abroad in their ads. However, if you ask nicely...

Hi Kimball
An illustration of what you say is the price comparision between the standard Puko track, the standard trach and the 3900 (Modellgleis and copy to the VB track):
- the modellgleis was approx 1.9 times more expensive than the new standard puko gleis in Märklin catalogue in 1956
- the switches were almost the double price of the new switches (Puko points)
It sadly explains why the expensive marvels had little future back then (with VB and Märklin)
Cheers
Jean