Don't know anything about S..but am looking to get into it. question....is there a way to uncouple cars..like the 03R.....or how is the uncoupling done in S. thanks
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Well, traditional American Flyer couplers have a bar that is triggered by an uncoupling track, and releases the couplers. The newer command control engines have couplers that are remotely activated by the controller. Kadees are available for the scale modeler.
Welcome, and have a lot of patience. S Gaugers need to be patient. Our products show up eventually.
Hey Ness,
The short answer to your uncoupling question is a yes.
S items that are compatible with American Flyer couplers operate similarly to the 03R kind, but instead of being opened by an electromagnet, the open by lifting a weight under the knuckle. The original Gilbert items had a metal weight, while the modern equivalents use a plastic tab that simulates the weight. Both are opened by the same uncoupling device, or a simple stick or rod. The new Lionel Flyer locomotives even have Lionel style Electrocouplers which will allow uncoupling anywhere and are activated via the same electronics you are familiar with in 03R. Even hard scale S couplers (usually Kadee style) open for uncoupling, but the Kadees are activated by magnets.
The S "waters" are fine, and the more you look, the better they are. Keep us all informed as to any decision you make. We're a bunch of good guys here too!
Jerry
Been in S for 60 years
What track would you recommend ???? I just want to buy it once..if yah know what I mean.
Welcome!
There are several options for the S Scaler/Gauger. For the time being, I'm going to assume you're looking into being Flyer-compatible or HiRail.
Currently, the most complete selection of track is from American Models or perhaps Gargraves.
MTH has yet to deliver on the former S-Helper service S-Trax line (April 2014, last I looked) and Lionel has only delivered curves and straights for their S FasTrack.
You may also like to browse the Questions on S Scale thread on the stick at the near the top of this forum.
Rusty
Rusty,
Will scale wheel and hi-rail equipment run equally well through AM track and turnouts?
Jeff C
Originally Posted by leikec:
Rusty,
Will scale wheel and hi-rail equipment run equally well through AM track and turnouts?
Jeff C
AM turnouts are more geared for HiRail/Flyer fwheels. Scale wheels will run OK through the straight leg of a trailing point turnout, but may derail in the other direction. The diverging route tends not to like scale flanges.
To adapt the for scale wheels, the frog and guardrail gap needs to be narrowed with plastic or metal (the exact dimension escapes me) shims to prevent the wheels from picking the frog.
Rusty
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Rusty,
I don't want to start that old turnout thing, however...
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
Here's a picture of traditional AF track, American Models, and Gargraves. I use Gargraves because it is fully compatible with Gilbert AF switches, cross track, etc. And I really like the look of the wood ties.
Mark
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