Flyer Track

American Flyer had only one curve for the most part, the 20-21" radius.  Lionel's new S FastTrack is also this radius.  AF also hade something called PikeMaster track, it was even sharper (16"r?) and not all that well made.  K-Line offered a wider curve compatible with the old Flyer track, but the exact radius (27"?) escapes me at the moment. 

American Models offers 21", 24" and 27" radius curves, as did the former S Helper Service (now MTH, but I doubt the track would be available in time for your project.) 

Rusty

Hi Rusty,

I believe you will find that the original AC Gilbert, Am Flyer curved track radius is around 19.125” using center line dimensions.  I’ll try to attach a .pdf that should explain the reasoning.  If I can’t attach it for this forum you can email me and I’ll send it along.

Tom Stoltz

Most of the basic curves in S scale have been close to 21 inch radius or about 42 inches to make a circle. Even K-Line followed the American Flyer radius for their curve track.

A.F. made both manual and remote control switches for the 21 inch radius track. I have not seen any K-Line switches in S scale, but they most likely made some.

Gargraves and American Models and S Helper make track for S scale if they are all in business, and switches. Gargraves and K-Line track would join together with A.F. track with regular A.F. style pins able to be used. Gargraves made both wood and plastic crossties for S scale track, even flex-trac.

A.F. Pike Master was a vey tight curve design and you could not run large engines or freight cars on it. I have not seen any Pike Master switches, but there could be some.

Lee F.

I believe you, Tom, I just knew it was somewhere around 20" give or take and shot from the hip.

Even SHS wasn't sure, even though they went for a geometric match.  In 2000 they called their curves 19" radius. In 2001 and later, 20" radius.

Rusty

Thanks for the help.
42'' circle. Hmmm...

Don't forget the rubber roadbed for Gilbert Flyer track..

K-Line did not produce switches in S. Their wide radius track made a 54 inch diameter circle I believe.

-Vintage Flyer track:  I just assembled a circle.  It measures 39" outside the outer-rail-to-outer-rail, which I figure would be the most relevant figure for you.

-FasTrak:  The Lionel catalog says "20 inch radius".

39 inch circle. Better yet!
I was originally guessing 36.
39 will fit the plan easier than 42.
Thanks again fellers!

I wish someone made a Flyer style switch using the old K-Line 54" diameter curve.  I have a spot planned where I could use one because I'll have a route of wide radius planned to run my Flyer passenger fleet.  I bet it would cost a gazillion dolars to buy one though!