I have the Lionel Polar Express S-gauge set on order and wanted to get some larger diameter track. I know MTH makes S-gauge track, and Lionel does as well under the AF name. Both have plastic roadbed but I am wondering if they can be joined together? Also, for the MTH 30 degree curves, how many make a full circle?
I could not find any information on MTH's website on their S-gauge track.
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You have to cut off tab on MTH track and narrow tab on A/F track. I have three mixed types of track on my layout. American Models track is harder to match as rail is higher.
Bob P
There are 360 degrees in a circle. 30 goes into 360 12 times. Therefore, it take 12 sections of 30 degree curves to make a circle.
Rusty Traque did an excellent job of showing the joining of the two types of track on this site:
I recommend you think through what you want. Only AM sells wide (27"R) turnouts. Does that matter? The AM track is not available with the molded on ballast. Both MTH and Lionel offer 20"R turnouts. I have a large number of SHS turnouts, they require frequent maintenance and many of the new Lionel Flyer engines derail when backing through them. The same engines do not derail when backing through Gilbert or AM turnouts. Flyer turnouts with GarGraves flex track makes a great Gilbert style layout with any radius you want. AM track makes a great layout with 27" radius track and turnouts, no roadbed. Lionel makes a good system, wide radius curves will hopefully be available in this decade. MTH and Lionel use different rail and roadbed. So while they are the same height, it is obvious where they are joined.
As Mark said, MTH/SHS (left) and Lionel track (right) can be joined with a little surgery. The only mechanical difference is the design of the locking connectors on the roadbed. Otherwise the track systems are compatible. Here's a quick rewiew of the pictures:
We have both types of track intermingled on the S gauge layout at the mall.
The SHS/MTH track is much quieter than the Lionel track. The MTH/SHS track has little feet down the center and the ties are separate molds from the ballast. Both of those things limit vibration and break up the large surface that vibrates and makes noise.
Lionel Fastrack is noisy in O gauge and noisy in S gauge.
If you can build the layout from MTH/SHS track, you will be much better off, in my experience.
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