S track comparison?

[arkady]

The recent "New to S scale" thread discussed non-American Flyer track for S, which raised a couple of questions for me.

I wonder how S-Helper track compares to the Universal Track from American Models. I've never used either, so now I'm curious if one or the other would be a good idea for me.

From what I've seen so far, this is how it looks to me:

S-Helper track http://www.showcaseline.com/track/TrackOverview.html:

Very expensive

Has a molded plastic roadbed, apparently like Lionel FasTrack

Nickle-silver (doesn't oxidize like brass)

Universal Track http://www.americanmodels.com/misc/track.html:

A lot more affordable

No molded roadbed

Made of brass (would it require more frequent cleaning?)

I'm thinking that the S-Helper track might be the best choice for temporary floor layouts, while the AM Universal Track would be a lot better for permanent layouts. Would anyone who's used one or both of these systems care to comment?

[Laurastom]

 Take a look at the Track Options tab on the Port Lines Hobby Supplies web site. It shows most of what you would like to know about what is available in each system.

Tom

[arkady]

Thank you, that's an interesting site and I've bookmarked it. But it only shows photos and descriptions of the track, which the manufacturers' websites already provide. What I'm seeking is first-hand experience, recommendations or comments from people who've actually used either S-Helper or American Models track. Anyone?

[Laurastom]

 Sure. I currently have a temporary layout using SHS track components. Works great with original flyer and current production. Upsides: looks great, no track connectivity problems, great assortment of track radii. Downsides: Turnouts only in 19"radius, not selective power routing as original flyer, no crossing, uncoupler is straight track only and is hit and miss with link couplers, ok with knuckles. If I were building a permanent layout I would use the SHS flex track with turnouts and crossings from Tom's Turnouts. Check out his website. I use Legacy on the SHS layout so the lack of selective power routing in a temporary layout is not an issue.

For a conventional transformer control temporary layout I use original Flyer track, turnouts, etc. It is easier and reliable. I solved the track joint conductivity issue by making sure all pins are clean and tight, then apply a light coat of GB electrically conductive grease to each pin when assembling the track. Works perfect every time.

I have some AM track and have used it only briefly , it worked OK, but I really cannot comment from experience on it.

Tom

[Laurastom]

 I neglected to mention one additional observation. The SHS track must be kept very clean if you want to run engines without traction tires. Freshly cleaned the traction seems about equal to the Flyer tinplate, but after about 20 trips around the track the non traction tired engines slip quite a bit. No issues if they have rubber traction tires. I keep all the wheels clean, but the Flyer track offers better traction in my experience.

Tom

[arkady]

Downsides: Turnouts only in 19"radius, not selective power routing as original flyer, no crossing...

The SHS track must be kept very clean if you want to run engines without traction tires.

Thanks to you both. That's very good to know.

[Major]

 I have tried both.  What I like about AM track is it's appearance, variety of crossings, and a #5 or 27" radius turnout.  Wiring the track is alot like wiring HO Atlas track.  You need insulated rail joiners and feeder wires to stub and passing sidings to enable you to leave a locomotive on them. The turnouts are open frog design but I have never had an issue with them running Flyer, high rail or scale wheel sets through them.  I like S-helper track for temporary layouts as it will not come apart and the rail height is slightly less that AM track. There are additional accessory tracks for Flyer operating cars. But the lack of wide radius turn out limits its usefulness. Track with built in roadbed is also expensive! Parallel tracks with a crossover have to be five inches apart where as with AM track they are three inches apart.

I have notice with both tracks that the traction tires wear out faster than with Flyer track that is wider on top. I would recommend either  brand's flex track with Tom's Turn outs.  Both also stay alot cleaner than Flyer or GarGraves track and wheels pick up less crud.