Flex track source

The new MTH 35-1005 Flex Track was supposed to be shipped in July, but I just checked and now it's showing November.  I don't know if you can wait that long.  The rail height at code 125 plus is a little taller than the code 100 commonly used for scale layouts, but it's very realistic, very flexible, and super easy to work with.  MTH bought S Helper Service and has been releasing former SHS products under their branding. 

How much do you need?  There might be some SHS out there on the secondary market that would get you started until the MTH version starts shipping.  The sectional track they've released so far matches perfectly with the old SHS version.

American Models is another good choice, but I'm not sure of the current availability and it's code 148.

Both American Models and MTH will accommodate high rail and scale wheels.  Turnouts are not available yet for MTH.

There are other options like Tomalco Track .  I'm not that familiar with them, and their availability, but I believe their track is code 100 and smaller and is designed for scale wheels, not High Rail.

Hope this helps.

Mike A.

Assuming you're asking about Scale track(Code 70, 83, 100): Tomalco

For Shinohora code 100: Scenery Unlimited

Otherwise, Code 148 to run Hirail or Flyer: American Models

MTH list the old SHS code 133 flex track, but I don't think it's available yet.

Rusty

I can highly recommend American Models flex track. As Mikeaa points out, it is code 148--a reasonable compromise between high-rail and scale (American Models switches work only with high-rail)--but it is very realistic and stays clean. Unlike the pre-formed Lionel and MTH track, it does require ballasting to take on a realistic appearance; but the final result was worth it for me.

Thanks Guys;

     This is for a new "side" layout we're building for a Holiday display/layout that we do each year-end in our community house. It is a "demonstration" 3-scale structure. The S will be a simple formed loop of flex track, not scale, so I guess the 100+code track is best. Our probable engine is an AF Pacific. Incidentally, the HO and N are each a helix, to add interest. Calculating the various numbers was quite the challenge, but we got there.

Thanks, Wally

Hi Wally,

If you are running AF, TOKELLEY is right about American Models track.  It is a good compromise.  It show that it's in stock on their website, but I would recommend calling them to double check.

Mike A.

Will AF flanges work on code 100 rail?

I haven't personally tried it, but everything I've read says no.  My understanding is that's why Don Thompson at the old SHS settled on the code 131 track so it would cover all bases.

How are you doing Andre?

Mike A.

Wally,

I forgot to mention that if you want to see the AM track installed on a layout, there's an S Scaler by the name of Brooks Stover who models all in scale, but he uses AM track and switches.  It is very realistic looking.  You can find out more at this link.

There also is a member of this forum who uses it the track.  Maybe he'll post some photos if he sees this.  Jerry?

Mike A.

Hi Mike:

Doing fine in regards to the important things. 

As for hobbies: Being that I railroad for a living, I do suffer from "train overload" pretty often and so my train hobby interests/outlets suffer because of it.  Still pursuing accumulating the needed items for an HO layout in this small room I have.  At this point, I am still taking a break from model trains in general and when in a hobby mood I am piddling with two of my other hobby interests: 1/32 slot cars and control line model airplanes.

HOWEVER... seeing that autumn is just around the corner and the temps are on the descent... my Number One interest of dual sport motorcycle riding is gearing up!

Wife and I just returned from a trip to Colorado where we rode our dual sport motorcycles. Soon it will be my favorite season to ride the mountains here regionally: AUTUMN!!

Hi Andre,

Wow, it sounds like you've really been busy.  I was kinda hoping you'd say something about coming back to S, but as long as you're doing railroading in HO or 1 to 1, I guess it's OK!  You are always welcome here.

Mike A.

Bob Comerford

I found that the "toy-market" American Models track appears out of scale only to those who value accuracy as paramount. I chose American Models track and switches, too, because I wanted a balance between accuracy and runnability that no other track at the time could give me. Derailments were too frequent with scale track even when it was very carefully laid. The trains were to run dependably for guests (very often kids) with as much realism as I could design. The other criterion was the ability to run the original American Flyer set my mother had given me for Christmas when I was a boy and she had to win it selling magazine subscriptions in a contest. That meant a compromise on high-rail wheels and slightly tall rails, but everything else is in scale (except the original Flyer set). The rail height is not apparent when a viewer looks down at the layout rather than at the eye-level a scale figure would see. American Models track seemed to me to be the best choice between consistent running and accuracy.