Question about Scale Trax?

[Ralph]

For those that use Scale Trax have you encountered any grooving or some other problems on the pick up rollers, because the third rail is thinner? I know that there were problems with super O track grooving the pick up rollers and just wondered if this happens with Scale Trax? I am thinking of using Scale Trax over Atlas because of the price difference. Any info or thoughts is greatly appreciated. Thanks Ralph

[phillyreading]

Unless the center roller wheels are of cheap quality you should not have a problem eith the roller wheels, some older Lionel 027 roller wheels on steam locos were of cheaper quality and any track would eat up the roller wheels. Unless the center rail sticks up more than a 16th of an inch there should little or no problems.

Lee F.

[Ralph]

Thank you for the info it makes me feel better with my descision. Thanks Ralph

[phillyreading]

Depends how big a layout you want to do, you may not like Scaletrax that well after a while. Does Scaletrax have wide radius curves? You may want to go with a wider curve but Scaletrax don't have and neither does Fastrac, switch sizes may be an issue later on as you expand your layout. Also I have heard that you can't piece together Scaletrax as well as you can regular tubular track. So get more info and then make a decision.

Basically don't buy a track system for looks, buy it for how well it will do as you expand.

Lee F.

[jd-train]

Ralph,

I don't want to complicate your decision, but you may want to take a look at the following thread: http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/57660482/m/2691062964

Jim

[Buckeye Riveter]

Years ago, before Fastrack or Atlas, I was going to use Scale Trax, but my MTH oriented LHS would not recommend it due tor the grooving issue.  Due to my hobby shop's  advice, I went another direction.

[jefelectric]

Rich Battista seems to think it is the greatest thing to come along.  Check out his web site. 

http://www.toytrainsontracks.com/ 

I am emailing you a link to another forum where the question of roller grooving has been discussed in great detail. 

[Ralph]

Wow thanks guys for all the info I guess I will do a little more research before I make a decsion. In light of the problem with the switch machine, is there maybe a better alternative to the MTH machine? A good replacement. Thanks again for all the info. Ralph

[phillyreading]

You can try to custom build your own switch machine but it may be more of headache than it is worth. Sort of like trying to refit a Lionel 6-23010 switch with a DZ100 switch machine, I don't think it will work.  Fix the MTH switch when it breaks down.

Lee F.

[Ralph]

I just got and watched ToyTrains on Tracks. And also asked Rich if he has encountered any problems with his switches. He told me early on that he had one machine that melted on him, that was due to a relay sticking in the AIU or a frayed wire. He got it fixed and hasn't had any problems since. Thanks for all the input it's great to have a place like this to ask quesations. If you get a chance to see  ToyTrains on Tracks, it is probably one of the best layout videos I have seen in a long time. Thanks again for the info. Ralph

[Anonymous]

Our Hobby dealer told us that Atlas O track was worth the money, because scaletrax were always breaking . We choose Atlas O 21st centry track. We have a 6x9 layout though.