Who I Am: New member. Was an HO gauge guy in my younger days with a
4x8 layout. Currently 47 and a mechanical engineer. I really liked
the S-gauge size I saw in a hobby shop and purchased a SHS Starter
kit with an SW-1 switcher and an S-Trax oval for Christmas.
Where I'm Going: I've put in some pretty good time on the web, but
some fundamental questions remain. I plan to end up with a pretty
sophisticated layout over the years, and I need a good foundation
before I spend a bunch of money with regrets. I want realism, but I'm
not going to be hand-laying my own track. I'm not overly impressed
with the appearance of the plastic roadbed on the S-Trax, so I'll be
doing my own ballast work.
What I Understand: If you look at PRR 155 lb rail, a true S-scale
height would be 0.125 in. I found several references on several
websites as to SHS having code 125 track which I assumed would be the
S-Trax stuff. The SHS site calls it a 0.131 high rail, but also say
it's equivalent to 155 lb rail. I put my calipers to it and measured
0.138, so it's a stretch to say it's code 125 track. Either way,
something's not right, or folks take a bit of leeway in the 155 lb
vs. code 131 rail interpretation.
So here are my track questions (will save the coupler and truck
questions for another thread!):
1. It seems as if you want to be known as a true S-scale guy, your
track height need to be 0.125 or under as nothing in the real world
would scale larger than that. Is SHS track then considered a true
scale track, or a hi-rail track?
2. AM also has their Universal Track System which they call out as a
0.148 rail. There seems to be a lot of parts available, especially by
aftermarket manufacturers of turnouts, wyes, etc. Should I just ditch
the SHS line completely and go with the 0.148 rails and sacrifice
scale, if that's what SHS track is, for the convenience I want?
3. Are there enough suppliers of code 100 track and accessories to
give me that same level of convenience? It seems code 100 track
producers a little less mainstream. Are there other hidden issues
using the code 100 track of which I should be aware (other than
changing out the wheels on the stock I just bought)?
The S-scale guys seem to be a diverse lot with some strong opinions.
I'd like yours!
Thanks,
Scott Rodriguez
Piqua, OH
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