MTH Scale Trax to replace Lionel O gauge tubular track

Sorry Jeff, I don’t know anything about ScaleTrax but am thinking about using it so am hoping someone who does will chime in.

Good luck,

Scott

MTH ScaleTrax has curves in O-31, O-54, O-72, and O-80. Turnouts are available in O-31, O-54, O-72, #4 (actually closer to #5), and #6. The flex track is easy to work with if you want to make O-42 curves. The track curves are measured to the center rail, so a circle will be slightly larger than a Lionel tubular or FasTrack equivalent. The track can be mounted using 18 gauge wire nails or #2 wood screws (there are pre-marked holes in the ties that can be drilled out from the bottom. Cork or Homabed ballast board is recommended.

Tie spacing seems to match concrete "commuter" ties, and though wider than typical wood tie placement, the track looks good once ballasted.

The track sections are secured via clips and spring contacts, though my preference would be to sweat some solder in the track joints for more secure electrical once the track is secured in place. Rich Battista's video covers the use of ScaleTrax very well and I recommend getting Volume 1 of his ToyTrainsOnTracks video.

The rail is Code 193 (roughly) which is lower profile than Atlas, Gargraves and Ross (Code 215), but supports standard 3-rail flanges. It also supports scale wheels if you're so inclined.

Hope this helps.

Matt,

Thanks for the informative and helpful summary of ScaleTrax characteristics.  You have provided a pleasant 5 minutes in my workday.

Good luck,

Scott