S gauge track

I would prefer the Kline put if push comes to shove the new stuff will have to do, are there adaptor pieces I will need?

Marty

You can get K-Line track in American Flyer 2 rail size and use the regular track pins with it from AF. Also Gargraves track and switches use a similar track pin and it mates up to AF with no problem. Also you can buy rubber roadbed for AF track and make it look better, I have seen both black and grey color roadbed in AF. AF, K-Line and Gargraves track can use the same track pins.

Lionel's S gauge Fastrack needs an adapter track section with adapter pins. Not sure how Lionel's new AF Fastrack does, can't say either way.

There is also S Helper track & switches but it too needs an adapter pins for AF style S gauge track.

Lee Fritz

If you really want to use K-Line track, don't forget to dress up the ends.  Every piece I used had sharp edges that would tear up the fabric on my Centerline track cleaning car and the occasional finger.

Rusty

Marty,

You should also be aware that the K-line gauge is slightly narrower than the Gilbert track. I believe it is do to the flat on the rail being a little wider than the flat on the original track. I don't know if the K-line now made by Lionel is the same but it would be worth looking into if you run anything other than AF locomotives. This will not be a problem with Flyer or Flyonel equipment but if you run any American Models or S Helper locomotives you might encounter some trouble. I found this on my layout where I have a few of the K-Line straights and these AM or SH engines will ride up on the flanges. I have found the Gilbert track gauge to be about .872-.875 and the K-line measures about .855-.860. I know this is not much but I see it does make a difference with some locomotives. Scaling this up to full size it amounts to 3/4" to 1.25".

Ray

Has anyone had success with Gargraves 42 curves???
Marty

Martin Derouin posted:

Has anyone had success with Gargraves 42 curves???
Marty

Yes, I am using Gargraves 42 inch curves in S gauge track and they are very similar to American Flyer curves but are just newer, maybe a fraction of an inch wider(half inch to three quarters of an inch) in diameter for a circle. I have AF, Gargraves and K-Line(before Lionel) curves on my S gauge layout. Gargraves track pins work with the tracks(AF, Gargraves & K-Line) I have, even the Gargraves insulating pins.

However American Models or S helper uses different style track pins.

Lee Fritz

Rayin"S" posted:

Marty,

 I don't know if the K-line now made by Lionel is the same but it would be worth looking into if you run anything other than AF locomotives. Ray

None of the old K-Line tubular S track is made anymore by Lionel.   They are selling the Fasttrack only.

RadioRon posted:

Rayin"S" posted:

Marty,

 I don't know if the K-line now made by Lionel is the same but it would be worth looking into if you run anything other than AF locomotives. Ray

None of the old K-Line tubular S track is made anymore by Lionel.   They are selling the Fasttrack only.

That is true, however there may be places that still have the K-Line S gauge track for sale. I bought my K-Line track about 8 or 9 years ago, maybe longer, when K-Line was still in business.

Lee Fritz

Perhaps Menard's could produce tubular S guage track and switches?

Thanks, Phil  

Last week I put a order in to Gargraves for 4 54" prefab curves and 1 regular straight section.  Came on Wednesday, very fast service.  I got them installed Thursday, can't believe what a difference it makes.  Thinking about repeating the order and doing my other loop,  Trains are quieter than running on rubber road bed.

Marty

PHILA posted:

Perhaps Menard's could produce tubular S guage track and switches?

Thanks, Phil  

Menard's has yet to show any interest in S and the don't make any switches for O.

Rusty