Pete, The issue of "Scale Rail" is somewhat a matter of personal preference. On the one hand, you have true scale proportion, in our case being 1/64 dimension of prototype rail. Let me tell you that the model rails available only come "close" to "scale", but that should be "close enough." On the other hand, you have what looks good on the layout. To some extent, true "scale" rail looks too small to the eye. Our brain says it should look bigger. So many commonly use a conventional rail size that is bigger than true "scale" and accept that as "close enough."
In regards to using "scale" wheels, I hope you understand that what the S scale community accepts as "scale" is really a convention meaning that they are "close enough." They are not truly "scale." If you want true "scale" 1/64 AAR wheels, then you need to get into Proto:64 modeling and all those true "scale" conventions. Then you can make your own "scale" trackwork because the true scale wheels will drop into the frogs of NASG "scale" turnouts. In regards to what rail is right for your wheels, or engines, I would ask the prototype. What size rail did YOUR prototype use in the period you are modeling? MY prototype used 65 pound rail, so I am using code 70 rail as "close enough." If YOUR prototype used 100 pound rail, then perhaps you should be using code 94 rail, which is not available, so you would use code 100 and say "close enough." Or perhaps your prototype used 130 pound rail, which is the equivalent of code 105 rail in S scale. Again, that is not available, so you have to decide if you want to go a wee bit undersize to code 100, or go up to the next available size bigger. Whatever your choice, it will only be "close enough." For an online chart of "scale" rail sizes, check out: http://urbaneagle.com/data/RRrailsizes.html Be aware, too, that the prototype has always used multiple sizes of rail. Mainline rail is always the biggest and best. Sidings often get the next size down. Yards and industry tracks can often be several sizes smaller than the mainline. Some modelers use two or three rail sizes to show these differences. Others don't seem to care. You have to decide what for YOU is "close enough." Darrell Smith Modeling the BZ&C, B&O, and C&P in 1885 in P:64 --- In [email protected], "petemster" <petemster@...> wrote: > > > So, I'd like to ask a question. > First I'd like to say that it is a simple, genuine, non-controversial > and honest question, not intended to provoke any kind of heated > debate. > > O.K. : what height of rail is most suitable for the scale wheels on > AM and SHS locos ? > Would it be code 100,for example, or something bigger or smaller ? > > All information and opinions, on or off-list, would be appreciated. > > Thanks. > > Pete Molloy. > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
