Does the Pikemaster style track (the one with more realistic looking ties) have a tighter turning radius than the old style tinplate track? I have a ton of the old style track, however, while looking at some old ads for the "All-Aboard" modular sets that used the Pikemaster style track the curves look tighter. Space is a consideration for me and now I am wondering if I should go with the more modern style track. I would hate to have to buy all new track but if the curves are tighter, and, from what I have seen on the American Models web site, the turnouts seem much smaller. Maybe that is the way to go. Any ideas? Thanks.
Does the Pikemaster style track (the one with more realistic looking ties) have a tighter turning radius than the old style tinplate track? I have a ton of the old style track, however, while looking at some old ads for the "All-Aboard" modular sets that used the Pikemaster style track the curves look tighter.
Space is a consideration for me and now I am wondering if I should go with the more modern style track. I would hate to have to buy all new track but if the curves are tighter, and, from what I have seen on the American Models web site, the turnouts seem much smaller. Maybe that is the way to go.
Any ideas? Thanks.
The pikemaster does have a tighter radius. I have several of the all aboard sets and a bunch of the pikemaster track, but I prefer the old style track better. The old style is less prone to break, and if you have a 332 or any of the 4-8-4 locos the turn is too tight for the pikemaster track. There is a pin that adapts the old style to the pikemaster is you need the tight radius. It seems as if the pikemaster tarnishes a bit quicker as well.
Certain accesories will not work with the pikemaster without modification.
Jim
I agree with Jim completely.
I purchased an excellent condition All Aboard set in 1988. It was an outstanding set in theory, but with the Pikemaster track, the train jumped the track frequently. The track connections were very poor. I suggest K-Line or GarGraves track.
GarGraves is pretty pricey. I looked at S-Helper track and liked the fact that they had an adapter for connecting to A-F tinplate. Not crazy about about the plastic base. I also looked at American Models track. Really liked the look of that, it looks very similar to the Pikemaster. Any thoughts on those two brands?
AF1963GarGraves is pretty pricey. I looked at S-Helper track and liked the fact that they had an adapter for connecting to A-F tinplate. Not crazy about about the plastic base. I also looked at American Models track. Really liked the look of that, it looks very similar to the Pikemaster. Any thoughts on those two brands?
I've been looking at the AM track myself. I definitely like the way it looks. There are only two things I wonder about:
1: Unlike AF tinplate track, it looks like the AM track wouldn't be well suited to a temporary track loop on the floor. You'd pretty much have to use it on a proper layout.
2: Since only one company is (to my knowledge) making it, if AM ever goes out of business, you'd be stuck. And if you think that can't happen, remember Lionel and Super-O track.
It'd be good to hear some comments from anyone who uses American Models track.
You can make the AF timplate look pretty good by adding ties between the metal ties.
Here is how tight the curves of the Pikemaster track
The tin plate with ties added
Gargraves
The Pike Master track was a nice idea that went bad or sour with usage. I had a few sections of Pike Master curves and sold them again at a train show, the plastic keeps breaking that holds the rails in place. Don't know about the PM switches as I never saw one. Like sturgeonphish mentioned even a 4-6-4 will not run on PM track.
The old style track made by American Flyer will connect up to GarGraves and K-Line track with regular track pins.
S-Helper and American Models needs some kind of adapter pin or special fitter track piece to work with original A.F. style track.
Lee F.
5-digit Hudsons were sold with Pikemaster track towards the end of Gilbert and I have run my 21130 on an All-Aboard layout...just not very fast. The problem with loose PM track is the rail joiners mostly but the All-Aboard sets had snaplock wire retainers that kept them from separating. Still, a more modern track system is a lot less aggrivating.
Rich
phillyreadingThe Pike Master track was a nice idea that went bad or sour with usage.
The Pike Master track was a nice idea that went bad or sour with usage.
One thing that straight sections of Pikemaster are good for is display. I obtained some straights years ago, and I found that if you have your S trains on a display shelf, the Pikemaster makes a great base for them.
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