Scott said:
> Who I Am: New member. Was an HO gauge guy in my younger days...
Hello Scott, and welcome to S sized trains and this list!
> Where I'm Going: ... I plan to end up with a pretty
> sophisticated layout... I want realism, but I'm not going
> to be hand-laying my own track.
Are you experienced with flex track and prefabricated (but not "plop n'
play") switches? (Switches that will need a throw of some kind, and perhaps
a wire or two.)
> What I Understand: If you look at PRR 155 lb rail, a true S-scale
> height would be 0.125 in.
> 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?
Looks like you have a pretty good understanding of the way things are. Only
the heaviest of prototype rail approaches the code sizes you're talking. To
represent a more typical rail size that lasted until (and past in some
cases) 1st generation diesels were being phased out, then code 100 and even
code 83 can be used. Flex track and prefab switches are available in those
codes.
> 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)?
Other than upping the fiddle factor before you can play trains, there are no
hidden issues. Quality products are available in code 100 as well as code
83 and even code 70 as I recall.
You mentioned that you would need to change out the wheels on the equipment
you just purchased. Does this mean they have AF compatible flanges? If so,
yes, you will HAVE to swap those out with commonly available wheelsets with
flanges that represent a protoype more closely in order to run on code 100
and smaller rail.
> The S-scale guys seem to be a diverse lot with some strong opinions.
> I'd like yours!
Well, if you're interested in minimal fiddle factor, then you'll need to
accept slight larger rail size. There may be those on this list that use
some of the heavier coded rail products that can step in and offer firsthand
experience. I use Micro Engineering code 100 and code 83 flex track and
Tomalco prefab switches. I also use scale type wheelsets and Kadee type
couplers. This list specializes in the "scale" side of S. Therefore,
AF-type flanges and couplers really don't get discussed much at all, simply
because that isn't where our interests lay.
You're using a good approach, that of taking your time and learning what you
really want to do with S. Hopefully, that will save you some money and
effort.
Some more information could be helpful to us so we'll know what you're
hoping to accomplish with S. Things such as:
What era are you interested in?
What type of layout do you hope to pursue?
Are you an operator or a runner, etc, etc?
Input to these types of questions will aid us in offering more specific
input and "expert advice". <grin>
Andre Ming
Eastern OK
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