Is this the end of MTH ScaleTrax?

I'd seriously consider going back to Ross/Gargraves.

ScaleTrax was a limited system (few switches and curves) so I doubt another importer will pick it up.  I would think that those using ScaleTrax now are quickly buying up any remaining stock.

I use and like Ross switches and track plus Gargraves flex track.  You can discuss how they look, but I do not think there are any folks out there that are dissatisfied with them operationally.  Plus it is available and made in the USA.

ScaleTrax is indeed a fine system but as others have pointed out, it has some drawbacks. I had a nice layout using it some years ago and am still a proponent for similar reasons as you gave. Rich Battista's videos were a big influence too and the low profile of the rails was the big appeal for me. The ties are sized well but when Mike designed the track his men inadvertently used track in Baltimore (as the story goes) from a siding or short line RR where the tie spacing was too far apart for American mainline rail and the odd spacing became a big distraction to many of us. I experimented with a section of flex where I removed a little it of the plastic between the ties under the rail which did move the ties closer together and it looked great but for a layout this was impractical.

The low profile rail greatly enhanced the illusion of size for our massive locomotives however...

I recently picked up a small handful of ScaleTrax, just to see what it was like.  I'm not impressed.

I'm more impressed with Atlas 3-rail track, and I don't even have a single piece of it yet to study.

But along with a temporary RealTrax layout to tide me over, I have plenty of GarGraves track and some Ross switches that are keeping me perfectly happy right now.

How many old timers remember the HO scale Tru-Scale Ready-Track product line and their wooden plain roadbed that could be used to mount flex track or even lay ties so you could spike down rail if you so choose? Tru-Scale also offered pre-gauged wood roadbed where you could spike down track w/o a track gauge that flexed as well!

Of course there was Atlas track which was offered with brass or nickel silver Code 100 rail, not to forget their fiber tie flex track as well as cork roadbed.

Ross, Gargraves, tubular rail, even Super-O, are all proven quality products for O gauge trains.  Why experiment with any other track system when modelers have these great products to choose from that can be used on layouts is beyond me.  This includes clubs too!

Why Lionel didn't reintroduce Super-O remains a mystery to me.  It's like spending the $$$ to develope a new track system and even offer HO trains again.  Gads, for heaven's sake WHAT THE HECK FOR may I ask?

This is only one man's opinion, but I feel that all the new incompadable track that's been put on the market over the past years should be waybilled to the recycle bins and used to build a better mouse trap, Period!  LOL

Joe

@Trinity River Bottoms Boomer posted:

This is only one man's opinion, but I feel that all the new incompadable track that's been put on the market over the past years should be waybilled to the recycle bins and used to build a better mouse trap, Period!

Joe

What incompatible track would that be? Incompatible with what? Please tell us.

I used to really like K-line shadow rail.  Looked good, compatible with regular Lionel track, switches. Easy! Use Gargraves/Ross now. JohnA

The more I look at the situation, the more inclined I am to build using Atlas or Micro-Engineering Code 148 2-rail track and adding a Code 100 center rail for my 3-rail locomotives. Not 100% sure how I'm going to handle turnouts.

I like the appearance of ScaleTrax. The rail profile and height is one of the most realistic on the market. The ties are well done but the tie spacing is a bit of a visual deterrent. I was hoping that MTH would have released something like a "ScaleTrax 3.0" with a more prototypical tie spacing, yet would have offered backwards compatibility for those already using ScaleTrax. I have often heard the comment "that Atlas tie strips with MTH ScaleRax rail would be the perfect combination". The flex track is quite  workable so different radii can be achieved. A #8 switch, if that had been offered, would have made this a great system.

Whatever MTH product will be picked up--and surely some of the MTH tooling will be purchased, or perhaps licensed for use, by somebody--it won't be ScaleTrax, or, for that matter, RealTrax.

ScaleTrax was a good idea--a realistically low-profile track with a center blade instead of a rail--but it was poorly executed. The fact that ScaleTrax was hard to find and that MTH stopped expanding the line reflect ScaleTrax's failure in the market.

RealTrax was a good idea--plastic roadbed track for O gauge--and was well executed. It was very popular until Lionel built on RealTrax's success with FasTrack.

johnstrains: Look at all the different track that's been produced that don't mate with other brands.  You are pretty much forced to stick with one brand and in the event it disappears off the market you have to start doing your level headed best to obtain more in the event you plan to expand your layout.  Like I said, this is only my opinion.  Why use any other brands of track except the ones that have been proven in time and quality to begin with?  

Joe

@Trinity River Bottoms Boomer posted:

johnstrains: Look at all the different track that's been produced that don't mate with other brands.  You are pretty much forced to stick with one brand and in the event it disappears off the market you have to start doing your level headed best to obtain more in the event you plan to expand your layout.  Like I said, this is only my opinion.  Why use any other brands of track except the ones that have been proven in time and quality to begin with?  

Joe

Ok, then we agree. And that includes that it's silly to suggest anyone's choice of track that they've invested time and money on should be relegated to the "recycle bins." Like you did.

Glad you see it my way.

johnstrains:  Indeed, we agree!

Peace brother!

I've edited my post.  I forgot to add the "LOL" moniker at the end of my "soapbox speech".  Sorry!

Question: Has a better mouse trap ever been made to date other than cats?

Joe

@Oneonta posted:

I like the appearance of ScaleTrax. The rail profile and height is one of the most realistic on the market. The ties are well done but the tie spacing is a bit of a visual deterrent. I was hoping that MTH would have released something like a "ScaleTrax 3.0" with a more prototypical tie spacing, yet would have offered backwards compatibility for those already using ScaleTrax. I have often heard the comment "that Atlas tie strips with MTH ScaleRax rail would be the perfect combination". The flex track is quite  workable so different radii can be achieved. A #8 switch, if that had been offered, would have made this a great system.

I've only run Realtrax and with good reliability on my layout.    I run Fastrack with foam rubber backing for the P.E. for Christmas.  I have quite a pile of the tubular track from my earlier conventional layout that I thought wouldn't take too much effort to hook up to the Realtrax.

I've thought about doing a couple highly visible areas on the layout with the Scaletrax after seeing different layouts on the Tube and on the Forum.  IMO the Scaletrax seems to have a decent and subdued look and ' keeps the engines and rolling stock the center of attention.' 🤓

Sure about the Scaletrax's more flexibility and optional pieces over the Realtrax.

  Not sure about the switches .  Not sure about how it can be hooked up with the Realtrax.  Really not sure about the cost.  Not sure about the availabilty soon now either. 🤔

Rethink your decision.  I won't rant again because the fine folks here have heard me complain multiple times.

Do a search on the forum with my user name and scaletrax.

You do NOT want to use this track system.  Trust me.

I'm running trains right now with my son and we're both cursing it.

Ron

@Trinity River Bottoms Boomer posted:

johnstrains: Look at all the different track that's been produced that don't mate with other brands.  You are pretty much forced to stick with one brand and in the event it disappears off the market you have to start doing your level headed best to obtain more in the event you plan to expand your layout.  Like I said, this is only my opinion.  Why use any other brands of track except the ones that have been proven in time and quality to begin with?  

Joe

I have as yet to understand this logic or comment. I have Atlas matched to Realtrak and Fasttrack and Lionel O. All without pins or adapters. Simply shim to the proper height and power each piece of track. Why is that a problem? Trains run over the small gap with no problem. It is similar to an isolated section gap. I love scaletrax. If they stop making it then I will butt to something else. I could never figure why they didn't expand upon it. It was brought out in a rush and then they just dropped the ball on it and didn't pursue any wider rang for it. Real shame.

@Ron045 posted:

Rethink your decision.  I won't rant again because the fine folks here have heard me complain multiple times.

Do a search on the forum with my user name and scaletrax.

You do NOT want to use this track system.  Trust me.

I'm running trains right now with my son and we're both cursing it.

Ron

Yet I know two people who ONLY use it with no problems. SO My advice is YES go with it for sure.

@CurtisH posted:

Yet I know two people who ONLY use it with no problems. SO My advice is YES go with it for sure.

You know people?  Any first hand experience yourself?  Perhaps become a user with experience to relay before dispensing advice for a product you do not use or have.

Ron

Yep I have experience as one of those two is my boss whom I helped build the layout. SOOOO your next comment is what? I am a user with experience and you? Hmm Be truthful!

I don't like LUCK I enjoy being GOOD!

Everyone is entitled to there opinion on track. When asking for someone else's opinion they are seeking advice. While I have used most brands out there it still does not mean that what I like is what they may like. Scaletrax does look realistic but as quoted the tie spacing is wrong. Atlas looks good but the ties are too high. But I love the solid rail. Realtrax and Fast Track are quite similar but I like Real Trax better. As mentioned in a different thread, I also found the pins break on Fast Track. I found that out when I went to my grandson in NY to help build a layout and he had several pieces with broken pins. He is only 6 so I can not really blame him it happens. Gargraves and Ross I like and actually LOVE the Ross switches but those ties are just so Big. Kinda matches that mystery hand that comes in out of the sky sometimes to place or remove cars on the track. My general consensus is If you like something and are comfortable with it and it is available (HINT ATLAS SWITCHES ARE NOT when I needed them) then by all means use it. If I can help I will but I will not get upset by you using it. I want to ENJOY my trains and the companionship they and this forum bring me. I only hope the feeling is mutual so the hobby can expand.

Ron045: As long as one doesn't attack any fellow member and is only expressing his or her opinion about an inferior product I see no harm whatsoever if you feel that you must "rant".   I want to know all the facts before I invest in any product, not only model trains, before I spend $$$ in same and end up getting stuck with a piece of junk.  I believe this includes the majority of human beings, including OGR members, especially since Quality Control is fast becoming just another word in the dictionary and no longer put into practice today!

Since the planet was hit with this Corona thing we have seen, and continue to see, mountains of restrictions placed on mankind worldwide.  True, this stuff is dangerous, but lives have been lost since man first inhababited the earth as a resulf of diseases, both natural as well as man made.  Sadly they will continue, even after a cure for Corona has been found.  Not only from Corona itself, but lives are being lost as the harsh lockdowns continue to take their toll with an ever increasing amount of suicides as a result of gross restrictions of both freedom of movement and speech.  The fact that so many young people continue to take their own life is shocking in itself as they see no end to this madness nor do they have anything to look forward to in the way of a future.  News reports continue to air on TV regarding this ongoing tragedy.

This is where model railroading has become, and is becoming, a life saver during the Corona lockdown where families are coming together again and are beginning to enjoy the hobby as a family instead of dad playing with his trains all by himself and in many cases even frowned upon by members of his own family!  Sadly, I've seen this happen before.  Why, even many of the long forgotten traditional games such as Monopoly and Sorry, to name two, are coming back into vogue.  Take a ride on the Reading anyone?

CurtisH: Your statement hits home!  Bravo!  Model trains and this forum in particular should bring enjoyment and companionship to each and every member alike, regardless of their views or opinions about tracks or trains, and should never become a place to come short of insulting any member as outlined in the OGR On-Line Terms of Service.  Perhaps it's time for every member to re-read the TOS again and abide by same?

Thank you,

Joe

T4TT - This response is for you since you asked.

I was impressed with the look of Scaletrax and the success others had with it.  I was also concerned about cost.  When I purchased mine it was the cheapest track.  I was paying $35-$40 for switches when Atlas switches were $80.  Based on the looks, the claims of others and cost I went with Scaletrax.

My take now is this.  You will be investing hundreds if not thousands of dollars in track.  Track that you will have to live with for a LONG time.  It's an investment.  Do you want performance?  Looking back now, I'll take performance over looks EVERY TIME.

Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to run trains and then spend the next 2 hours troubleshooting shorts and derailments.  Sorry, that's just not fun.

I have real life experience to share.  Others think nothing of telling you to spend money and "Go for it" because they installed it at a friends house.  How magnanimous of them to provide such glowing reviews.

Here are just some of the links to my issues.  But weigh the good, the bad and the ugly and decide for yourself.  And if you do purchase Scaletrax, you better be "Lucky".  You will need it.

Bad Switch Machines

MTH Engines don't like MTH Crossovers

Lock On's Fail

Switch Issues and derailments

Bad Joints, Shorts, Pickup Roller Derailments

Flimsy Track dips at track joint.

Poor Q/C in switch manufacturing - Causing Shorts.

@CurtisH posted:

Everyone is entitled to there opinion on track. When asking for someone else's opinion they are seeking advice. While I have used most brands out there it still does not mean that what I like is what they may like. Scaletrax does look realistic but as quoted the tie spacing is wrong. Atlas looks good but the ties are too high. But I love the solid rail. Realtrax and Fast Track are quite similar but I like Real Trax better. As mentioned in a different thread, I also found the pins break on Fast Track. I found that out when I went to my grandson in NY to help build a layout and he had several pieces with broken pins. He is only 6 so I can not really blame him it happens. Gargraves and Ross I like and actually LOVE the Ross switches but those ties are just so Big. Kinda matches that mystery hand that comes in out of the sky sometimes to place or remove cars on the track. My general consensus is If you like something and are comfortable with it and it is available (HINT ATLAS SWITCHES ARE NOT when I needed them) then by all means use it. If I can help I will but I will not get upset by you using it. I want to ENJOY my trains and the companionship they and this forum bring me. I only hope the feeling is mutual so the hobby can expand.

Curtis, just a comment about your point on the tie size of atlas and Ross, when they are ballasted the size looks normal, I think it may only look large when used without ballast.

Rich I agree it looks better when ballasted as I ballasted all my track. When running on Scaletrax I really like the look and I have not had any problems with shorting , derailing or lack of power as has been mentioned. I have used Gargraves and was not pleased with it do to how it bends (Flex Track) and not real happy with non solid rail. I ended with Atlas, Realtrak and Scaletrax but still have a layout using Fast track also. As for switches I am planning on replacing any Atlas switches that go bad with Ross since the Ballast helps blend them in better and they are very dependable. Atlas is definitely the most expensive and actually harder to get sometimes than Scaletrax.

I went with Atlas. I ignored Scaletrax due to the tie spacing and glad that I did because MTH didn't expand the product line. I would consider Ross, Gargarves in the future, but I prefer the solid nickel-silver rail.

Love the solid rail Atlas Keith, hate the Atlas switches.

Dropped by Side Track Hobbies today and they have one of MTH's smallish display layouts set up in the store.  It had several MTH track systems, including ScaleTrax.  Nice looking, but the tie spacing was obviously too wide.  Employees thought ScaleTrax was done, but you never know.  I would still stay away from it for now.

If you like it and you're okay with max 72" curves, buy it and enjoy. Of course, you probably should buy some spares.

I checked the MTH Product Locator and it appears that there is still plenty of stock available.

But, if you are looking to have larger curves, snatch up the ScaleTrax flex track or follow John's advice and go the Ross & Gargraves route.

Good evening, If I was starting a new layout I don’t think I would invest in a track product that you know is going away in the upcoming months and has very limited availability currently.

I have used Ross  from the first time I seen their product at Jim’s Train Shop in Homer City PA.

If you run into an issue and you need a additional switch on curved section Ross is a call away and chances are they have it on the shelf and you are not waiting on a container load of product to float across the pond so you can hopefully finish your layout with the product you started with !!!!

If you have a unique problem again Ross is only a phone call away.

With the issue of rail height of Ross compared to MTH or Atlas I have never had a visitor ever point out the rail height when they where viewing my layout.

Just my thoughts for this cold winter evening.

I appreciate all of the feedback.  The reality is there is not perfect 3 rail track system on the market.  Seems like with the demise of MTH there will be even fewer. 

@Rich883 posted:

Curtis, just a comment about your point on the tie size of atlas and Ross, when they are ballasted the size looks normal, I think it may only look large when used without ballast.

You are certainly correct here about ballast covering the height of Atlas ties - Actually, the Atlas rails are too high and too large overall to look prototypical with our trains. Especially with the third rail which gives the track a 'bulky' and oversized appearance. Scaletrax looks so much better in this respect because it is smaller, lower and uses a center blade (an inverted 'T) like Super O.  Had they only gotten the tie spacing correct they would have owned the 3 rail 'scale' market!

T4TT, the Reality: Ross Custom Switches products are proven, always available, realistic Century 21 prices, Made in the U.S. of America, and is an O Gauge Railroading advertiser as well!

@MarkStrittmatter posted:

If you run into an issue and you need a additional switch on curved section Ross is a call away and chances are they have it on the shelf and you are not waiting on a container load of product to float across the pond so you can hopefully finish your layout with the product you started with !!!!

If you have a unique problem again Ross is only a phone call away.

Well, although I'm using Ross switches and mixing their track with Gargraves, having switches on the shelf is not normal.   I've made several orders for switches, and even fairly common ones are a 2-3 week wait.  In one way I view that as a good thing, it means they're busy and making money, I want them to stay in business!   Of course, it meant I had to wait three weeks for a fairly common 201 switch to do the last bit of track laying, I counted wrong and ended up with an extra 101 instead!  Anyone need a new Ross Ready 101 switch with the DZ-2500?

One thing is true, Steve is super tuned into the business and you can usually talk to him directly about any issue or application, customer service is top notch!

Good afternoon, I never ever had that problem waiting on product from Ross, maybe just hit them at the right time when their inventory was up.

Even still, waiting on a product you ordered from Ross for 2 weeks is a better idea (my opinion only) than scheduling your time and layout on what a seller maybe telling you, because this is what his supplier has told him when the next shipment should be in !!!

@MarkStrittmatter posted:

Even still, waiting on a product you ordered from Ross for 2 weeks is a better idea (my opinion only) than scheduling your time and layout on what a seller maybe telling you, because this is what his supplier has told him when the next shipment should be in !!!

No argument there, and I know I'm getting a good product when it arrives.