Has anyone tried adapting Gilbert's #728 [or equivalent] rerailer track for use as a portable ramp to facilitate placement of S scale motive power and rolling stock on current-production hi-rail track?
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I have not tried to modify one. Here is an oldie that works if you should ever see one for sale.
With MTH track a piece of styrene works pretty well. The ends could be tapered if desired.
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For the big O-scale stuff, I never had enough issues re-railing it to consider something like this. I can see it's probably a mandatory accessory for stuff like N-scale! 
Geez, I must be awfully clumsy. I have to "fiddle with" the trucks on my AM K4 loco and tender and Budd passenger cars when initially placing them on the track so that all wheels make perfect contact with the track surface.
Well, I don't know about "fiddle", but you do have to get the wheels on the tracks, I agree. 
However, it's not like the tiny stuff, it's typically pretty easy to get all the wheels on and be ready to go.
I'll admit, there are a few locomotives like the DC3 Inspection Car and the Baldwin Centipedes that take a bit more effort to get all the wheels on the track correctly, but it's not like it's that difficult.
John,
Different manufacturers seem to have different degrees of difficulty, Flyer, no problem. American models marginally harder, SHS sometimes a PIA. Probably has to do with the tread width and flange depth.
Rich
Well, I'm talking 3-rail with pizza cutters, I'll admit dealing with 2-rail tiny flanges is a bit more difficult, especially with larger engines.
I have stacked 2 tongue depressors and mounted them between the rails on S gauge Gargraves track in long tunnels resulting in almost completely eliminating derailments in the tunnels (some as long as 25 feet).
Sealed with with spackle and painted to match the pavement, they work at grade crossings, too.
LittleTommy
