What Type of Track???

I like the reliability of tradtional AF track with rubber road bed. I have changed my track plan 3 or 4 time so not ballasting track has worked out. I guess it depends on if you prefer running newer more scaled size  trains or post war style flyer. I do think american models makes the best looking track.

I have worked part time the past few years at our local train shop. I have seen and heard all the cries of customers because NONE of the manufacturers can keep a steady stream of basic layout building supplies like track, switches, crossovers etc. No mater which brand or scale you pick, there is a huge likely hood of a lot of downtime due to a basic item not being available and the next run won't be for another year or whatever the story is they give. If I was starting a new layout, I think old fashioned track is the way to go if you actually want to get something completed. Gargraves with original switches would be a good alternative. I know it's not the scale look many desire, but at least it's available.

Steve

Ive been very pleased with American Models track.

For my purposes, it serves all my needs, my trains run well, and its readily available.

I do however  miss using my Flyer switches, the red and green lights, and the ease of use. I did use my flyer switch controllers to control the powered American models switches which are hard to reach.  Work well.

I was pleased too with Gargraves, but saw Carl's S Gauge page and the American models track hooked me!

Since I am basically a hi-rail operator, I use Gargraves; I like the wood ties and it is perfectly compatible with my AF switches.  All my stuff runs fine on it.  Had no trouble with purchasing it.

Mark

I would seriously consider using MTH (SHS) Flex because it is the best I have used in any scale. Turnouts from Toms Turnouts will give the ability to run Hi-rail and Scale wheels.

If I was building a scale only layout my choice would be www.custmtrax.com 

It appears that only American Models and Gargraves have anything close to a complete line of track. I do like the orginal AF track(and have a ton of it) but with all the scale items coming out, I purchased a bunch of SHS track mainly because of the various radius available and the hope of #5 switches coming out.

   Anyone have any reports from York about MTH or Lionel about track production? Al

No, to your last question, but referring to the original post, AF track really gives the nostalgic. old timey feel.   GarGraves is always available and has been for over 60 years.  And I think the real wood ties look great.  Whatever you decide, I hope you have fun with your S trains.

If I were choosing again, maintenance would be a deciding factor. Original AF track and switches require constant cleaning due to oxidation because of the tinplate construction. Lot of sparking when not totally clean. When I used stainless Gargraves on a previous layout I never saw any sparking except for the AF switches that were used. The Gargraves also remained much cleaner due to its construction. I changed my choice due to the desire for a more realistic look. I now use AM track on my current layout and no sparking on track or AM switches  even though it infrequently needs cleaning. I assume SHS and Lionel Fastrack have the same properties.

Rich

Keep in mind that Gargraves is available in 42 and 54 inch diameter, and their flex-track provides limitless possibilities.

Regarding sparking on the AF switches, I read in a thread somewhere that just a bit of 3 in 1 oil rubbed on with a rag solves the problem.

Mark

I use Gargraves as well, but Have a lot of AF track with rubber road bed. It's just when 

I go to train shows and if there's some there I pick it up.

Tin 

well not to stir up a hornets nest but...I have always used wd40 sprayed on rag to clean the tops of the rails on my AF track. Usually makes it easier to clean regularly.

  BTW I have had to clean my S Helper track with about the same frequency as AF, when running regularly at an 8 hr train show, mind you with no turnouts used.

Al