Carl T: Quick Question Before Feb 1!!

Andre,

I'm using American Models flextrack and turnouts.

Carl

Thank you very much for the reply.  Follow up:

Have you been satisfied with the performance of the switches?  Is American Models track brass or nickle silver?

Reason for these questions: One of the hold-ups on my S scale layout effort has been I would rather not have the track hassles... very piddly. Reminds me of handlaying back in my HO days.  I do NOT want to go back to that type of modeling anymore.  I'm considering a track system that's more "plop n' play" oriented.

Thanks for your time!

Andre

Andre,

I have been using this track since 1992 when is was first introduced.

No track system is perfect but I'm happy with it and would not switch to another.  There are some tweaks to the turnouts that can be done if needed.

SHS track is ok but I don't like the #3 turnouts. AM is #5.

It is a brass track. No problem with corrosion though.

Carl

Thanks for additional information, Carl.  It is appreciated.

I have viewed your website.  Your results are making me take a long, hard look at the American Models track system with an eye on it being more "user friendly" than what I'm currently using. 

Once the ballast, track weathering, and other scenic elements are in place, the rail height is almost a non-issue.

The #5 switch is a bit limiting, but still... overall the impact is very, very nice.

Thanks again!

Andre

Andre,

One thing you should be made aware of is the AM switches aren't friendly to scale wheels. The flangeway is set up for Hirail/Flyer wheels.

That said, when I was modulating, the AM track held up and worked extremely well.  we limited scale equipm,et to the outside loop which didn't have any switches.

Rusty

Thank you Rusty!  Poor performance with scale wheels would be a deal-breaker.

WHAT can us "scale guys" do for a good "plop n' play" switch???

Andre

Can't really help you there, Andre.  Haven't bought track in years.

If I ever have to tear down the ol' KGB, I'll probably rebuild in HiRail anyway and use AM track.

Andre,

There are several options.  One is Shinohara switches, #8 is pretty good and another is a Fast Tracks turnout jig.  I have one for code 100 #5 and all my diesels run great through them.  That includes AM's SD60's.  There are switches available from Tomalco as well as flex track.  I've traded my #5's for larger switches or rolling stock.

Greg

Hi Greg:

Shinohara makes a #8 in S scale?  Didn't realize that.

As for Tomalco: That's what I'm currently using.  Just wasn't ready for the gauging/spiking/cutting/etc, that they require.  I no longer want that kind of intensity in my track laying.  I will take a serious look at Shinohara.

Thanks for all the input, fella's!

Andre