With all the new items comming from Lionel and MTH it's very tempting to look at S as a side project. Is it possible to fit S in the space of a 0-27 or 0-36 loop? Thanks.
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Originally Posted by Chris Lonero:
With all the new items comming from Lionel and MTH it's very tempting to look at S as a side project. Is it possible to fit S in the space of a 0-27 or 0-36 loop? Thanks.
The short answer is no.
The smallest available radius is 20"(40" diameter,) which is what Lionel's FasTrack and SHS/MTH's S-Trax is, (as was old Gilbert Flyer tubular track.) That's measured from the center of the track, so you have to add about another 2" to the diameter for the molded ballast to the diameter. American Models smallest curve is listed at 21" radius.
Lionel's yet to be released and SHS's turnouts are also 20" radius on the diverging route.
There's the old Gilbert Pikemaster track which was around 15"-16" radius, but it wasn't really well constructed.
There's always American Models flex track, but most of the locomotives are designed for the 20" radius minimum.
Rusty
I kind of thought it might not. Looks like I'll have to get the shoe horn out and get creative! Thanks Rusty.
Originally Posted by Chris Lonero:
With all the new items comming from Lionel and MTH it's very tempting to look at S as a side project. Is it possible to fit S in the space of a 0-27 or 0-36 loop? Thanks.
Lionel or MTH should do a tighter curve for this purpose. Everything that ran on Pikemaster would work, and any new small motorized units or locos could also be used. Marklin had an "industrial" curve in M-Track that was used for yards, etc. though only the smallest locos would run.
Originally Posted by Gilbert Ives:
Originally Posted by Chris Lonero:
With all the new items comming from Lionel and MTH it's very tempting to look at S as a side project. Is it possible to fit S in the space of a 0-27 or 0-36 loop? Thanks.
Lionel or MTH should do a tighter curve for this purpose. Everything that ran on Pikemaster would work, and any new small motorized units or locos could also be used. Marklin had an "industrial" curve in M-Track that was used for yards, etc. though only the smallest locos would run.
I'm afraid I'll have to disagree here.
Don't forget O27 is 27" diameter measured from the outside rail. That gives you about 12" of available space to work with. O36 buys you a little more inside space, but you still have to allow for overhangs and clearances.
There's enough perception issues with S as it is, having what would amount to being 10"-12" radius curves would be a step backwards (and approaching dangerously close to the "standard" 9-3/4"r set curve in N-scale...)
Even the minimum commercially available curve in HO is 15" radius.
Rusty
Chris, behave yourself and get back to your tinplate.
The curves are wider, but the trains are smaller. They look better and there's much less slow-down in the curves.
I've also had more success switching with Flyer than I did with Lionel. That's probably partly the locos (even starter-set Atlantics are worm-geared) and the 40" diameter frogless switches.
Brady
Originally Posted by Brady Burdge:
The curves are wider, but the trains are smaller. They look better and there's much less slow-down in the curves.
Maury Romer said in a interview that Gilbert Flyer's challenge was to look better than Lionel yet cost less.
Originally Posted by Dave Allen:
Chris, behave yourself and get back to your tinplate.
Your probably right Dave. Linda would be thrilled to know I'd be starting to collect another gauge!"NOT"
I may have to come down and join your club.Of course I may have to sleep there too! 
