I would like to replace my original S scale track on my portable 4X6 Christmas layout with something better. I'm having all sorts of track connectivity problems probably due to the age of the track and poor pin connection.
I saw this on the trainz.com website.
CARGRAVES
42" Sectional curve track 42-401SW package of 12 for $70.99
36" flex straight track 401 a single piece for $5.69
Couple packages of Kline K492 Steel track pins for $1.99
Anyone switch from the old original American flyer track to Cargraves and like it better???
Hector - I've never used anything else so I can't comment on the other brand on tracks but you might find this helpfull.
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/27296/363145.aspx#363145
I've even used emory cloth on most of my track, on the bad spots I just rub a bit harder as needed. Then finished it off with 90% rubbing alcohol. Probably can't hurt in cleaning the pins as well, while still on the track.
Hope this helps.
Ray
Bayville, NJ
Life is what happens to youWhile you're busy making other plans - John Lennon
I too use the original AF track. and after a good cleaning is very hard to beat for the money if that is a factor. The conductivity can be corrected. A slight bend in the pins will improve the mechanical as well as the electrical connections. For the layout the size you are talking about extra feeder wires would not be needed.
Is the track lay and staying flat or is it riding up and down?
Also after cleaning the track make sure you clean the pickup wheels as that may casue issues as well.
Jim
Oh, I do have some Gargraves and it is really nice.
Track is flat. I guess I just need to clean the pins and track better. I was using a scotchbrite green pad to clean the track with. I use a wire brush on my dremel tool to clean the engine wheels. I've not used alcohol on the track.....
Regarding the track pins. Should those be removed and cleaned as well with alcohol? I assume I need to bend them so that the track is tight when locked together.
instead of bending pins try making hole for pins tighter by closing them up just a tab this will give better connection but as others have said make sure you have clean track also not sure I would use wire wheel on wheels on engine as it cause small bits that the engine can pick up and hurt it. if it gets in the engine.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
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Scotchbrite is best for track. Anything more abrasive will remove the tin plating from the steel, which will then have to be cleaned much more often.
Bob Nelson
Bob - I believe vintage two rail AF track has no tin plating. Correct me if I'm wrong, please. Can others confirm this?
I have seen that assertion; but I'm skeptical. The rails of old track that I have seen often seem to have a powdery corrosion, like this
that suggests to me some sort of plating, if not tin then perhaps zinc or cadmium. Notice the obvious rust on the ties, which are probably painted steel. There are also some railheads here that appear rusty, as though plating had been removed by cleaning or wear, although the webs and flanges show no rust.
You really don't need to bend the pins out that much, just ever so slightly is enough. You'll get the feel for it. I do this with my 3 rail tubular and it works great.
Unless the exposed pins are rusty/corroded/dirty, I don't think you would need to pull them out and clean them.
The track in your pic looks like it's still in great shape.
hectorgonzales Regarding the track pins. Should those be removed and cleaned as well with alcohol? I assume I need to bend them so that the track is tight when locked together.
As someone who actually HAS a small "S" layout...check out S-Helper track. It has a roadbed and good connections, similar to Lionel FasTrack. Since "S" is "scale looking", I don't see the appeal of "toy looking" track". BTW, my trains are AF postwar with link couplers.
Joe Hohmann As someone who actually HAS a small "S" layout...check out S-Helper track. It has a roadbed and good connections, similar to Lionel FasTrack. Since "S" is "scale looking", I don't see the appeal of "toy looking" track". BTW, my trains are AF postwar with link couplers.
I'd love to get that track, however they haven't made what I want in years. They are always out of the $79 dollar starter track set which is what I want. Too bad because it looks great. I've looked on Ebay too. Nobody seems to carry it. the stock number is 256. S trax system sectional track from showcase lines.
According to Lionel's website, they are producing S gauge FasTrack:
http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/SearchResults.cfm?doAction=Browse&CategoryID=547
However, I haven't seen any of it on the dealers' shelves, anywhere. And on top of that, I see no mention of S gauge switches, which greatly reduces its appeal.
arkady According to Lionel's website, they are producing S gauge FasTrack: http://www.lionel.com/Products/Finder/SearchResults.cfm?doAction=Browse&CategoryID=547 However, I haven't seen any of it on the dealers' shelves, anywhere. And on top of that, I see no mention of S gauge switches, which greatly reduces its appeal.
Thats exactly what I want. Are there any etailers online that sell this stuff?
There is a plus to using track that works with the old AF switches. They allow you to run 2 trains without "blocks". The old switches channeled power depending on the setting, so one train could be on a connected (both ends) "passing" track, and the other on the main loop. The S-Helper switches don't do this.
I personally have never like the appearance of American Flyer switches and the fact that you cannot create a yard ladder without needing a 1/2 straight track between them. Another issue is the reverse curve when doing crossovers or sidings. I do like their features of dead track sidings however. The kind of track you select depends on the look you are trying to achieve and what you want to be able to operate on it.
When using Flyer accessories nothing beats good old flyer track for attaching the track trips or accessories to it such as the stock yard or automated station. However for a more prototypical appearace American Models or S-Helper Flex track is hard to beat. American Models also has a good #5 switch and a number of crossings available. S-Helper does not. I am still able to get American Models track and I am using it to built modules. I have modern freight and scale lenght passenger cars. They will not negotiate Flyer 20" curves or switches. However nothing prevents me from using different types of track in different areas to meet my needs or desires.
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