American flyer min. track radius

[richhotrain]

Seems to me that you are pretty much limited to the minimum radius produced by American Flyer, whatever that is.

[phillyreading]

I am not sure what size curves American Flyer first used for their regular track. GarGraves and K-Line curves are about 42 inch diameter, GarGraves being a little larger closer to 43.25 inches in diameter. Also S-Helper track and switches are very close to orignal A.F. track size, but may need a piece cut off to fit with other brands of track.

Pike Master track used a very tight radius(maybe 26 inch diameter) and needs track connectors similar in style, not size, to what H.O. track uses.

Lee F.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

There is another thread with a similar topic, might want to check it out.

Jim

[David Barker]

Pikemaster track definately looked better than traditional Flyer at least from a few feet away, but it was a poor quality product and part of the decline of a great company.  I purchased an excellent condition All Aboard set in 1988.  It was an outstanding set in theory, but the Pikemaster track was terrible and poor connections were the norm.

I agree that K-Line S gague track is an excellent product, as well as GarGraves.

[Major]

 Pikemaster track may look better than traditional Flyer but the radius was only about 15 inches.  This caused the A.C. Gilbert company to modify some of it's locomotives such as their C&O GP7 to a short step version so it could negotiate these ridiculous curves. It also prevents some equipment from operating on it.  Additionally if you add accessories many do not work with Pike Master Track nor will many operating cares because there are no track trips available. Go with the traditional Flyer size 20" radius track (19" by today's measurement to the centerline of the track).  That way you will be able to run just about anything that is on the market today.  If you have the room use the larger 27" radius track by K-Line now made by Lionel as it looks great and larger locomotives and passenger cars love it, you can also get reproduction roadbed for it. Other options are S-helper, American Models, Gar Graves, or American S-Guage.  All have their pros and cons.

[PereMarquette1225]

Hopefully others will chime in, but I would stick to at least 20" radius. Most original, Gilbert-produced equipment was designed to run on this. That way, you SHOULD be covered if you ever wanted a larger locomotive like a Hudson or Northern.

[dengto]

I have a American flyer train set with the pikemaster track  and wondered what is the min. radius you can get for s gauge. It is a small casey jones style loco with 3 cars and wanted to add it to my layout because it was my grandpas train that he enjoyed. thanks for any suggestions.