MTH ScaleTrax

[jdmavanti3]

I'm in the planning stages for a large, permanent basement layout, and am evaluating the various track systems. Has anyone built a large layout using MTH ScaleTrax, and if so, any pros or cons on construction and operation?

[jonadel]

What started out as a small layout turned into a significant permanent layout for us using MTH RealTrax. I really have enjoyed using it and have found that it's almost like having custom track with all the different lengths MTH offers. Like any product there are plusses & minuses so be sure and shop around before you decide. At this point I could not afford to switch to another source and I have no complaints. I have an album with way to many pics that you might enjoy, it shows our layout at different stages of construction, grab a cup of coffee or something else with caffeine[:)]

Jon

http://jands.logicalgeek.com

[FJ and G]

A lot of people who use Scale trax say the ties are spaced too far apart. Atlas is similar looking and has a better variety.

However, on the plus side, I will state that Scale trax has the thinist center rail or any except the old Super O (and my own homemade center wire rail).

[jdmavanti3]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jonadel

What started out as a small layout turned into a significant permanent layout for us using MTH RealTrax. I really have enjoyed using it and have found that it's almost like having custom track with all the different lengths MTH offers. Like any product there are plusses & minuses so be sure and shop around before you decide. At this point I could not afford to switch to another source and I have no complaints. I have an album with way to many pics that you might enjoy, it shows our layout at different stages of construction, grab a cup of coffee or something else with caffeine[:)]

Jon

http://jands.logicalgeek.com

[Buckeye Riveter]

Has anyone ever heard that ScaleTrax can groove the electrical rollers? I was told this from an MTH dealer, but I have never seen it or heard anyone else discuss this problem..

[Frank in Steam]

Buckeye, that theory has been around since the Lionel Super O days. Some swear that it is true and others point to their experience to the contrary. It appears that grooved rollers with this track is more a symptom of another problem eg dirty center rail or pick up roller that does not turn freely. I managed to groove a pick up roller on old Lionel tubular in about 20 minutes of run time with the above combination. Before MTH released the track they reportedly ran different locomotives and trolleys for thousands of hours with no pick up roller grooving problem.

[Anonymous]

I'm building a layout with scaletrax and I find it somewhat difficult to use.  As I purchased a large lot of track and switches at cost from my dealer (this should have forewarned me) I am going to finish with it. The track snaps together but sometimes it is so hard to do this that I need to lay the track on the trackbed and use long nosed pliers to put it together.  If you try to use your hands the ties cut into your skin (gloves can help here) but even if it goes together it tends to come apart before setting it down on the trackbed.  That's my major complaint.  As I haven't run anything on it yet I cannot attest to it's functionality.  If I were starting over I would seriously consider Atlas, though I'm looking forward to controlling my switches and accessories with the DCS.  I suggest going to a hobby shop and literally trying the different track systems out.  Put some sections together and see what you like.  I know this is probably too late for the original post but it may help others who read this topic.

[chuck]

Roller wear has more to do with the type of rollers.  The hard steel/plated ones don't show as much wear as the softer scintered rollers.  BTW, rollers are meant to be replaced so this is not a real reason to avoid track like Super O or ScaleTrax.  The wear issue seems to be more of a problem with electrical arcing than physical wear.  The arcs act like a small cutting torch, blasting away material as the train moves around the track.

If you can find track pieces that will fit you're every need, fine.  ScaleTrax doesn't play well with other systems.  You can mix and match just about anything else from tubular O-27 to Gragraves to FastTrack to RealTrax to Atlas O, but not ScaleTrax.  Tie spacing and tieplate/spike details do not match anything I'm aware of in North America.  Atlas O is a good choice for solid rail and the best looking track to me is Ross.  Wood ties, real spikes.  I know the spikes aren't "prototypical" but they look really nice on the oversized wood ties.

[ChiefEagles]

Might think about using RR Tracks software with what ever track you use.  Sure has been an aid to me.  

[Anonymous]

Just my own opinion:

I took a good look at ScaleTrax shortly after it was released, up close and personal.  The first thing that caught my attention was the tie spacing, which just didn't appeal to me at all.   Again, that's just my personal opinion based on my own expectations and desires.  I decided to go with Atlas, and have been well satisfied with that line in just about every respect.

But if I was considering ScaleTrax, I don't think I would be as worried about roller wear as I would the matter of product availability and, more importantly, expansion of the line to include the wide variety of items that, for example, Atlas has in its O gauge track line.

[Bob Keller]

When RealTrax came out, I did some research on "official" railway maintenance of way standards and found it to be pretty broad in interpretation (I even consulted the Train magazine staff ...) so it is a matter of personal taste.

The comment about the metal of the pickup roller being central to the issue of wear is key.

When the Atlas O track came out I had a dozen or so guys call me (when it just hit the shelves) saying it would wear gaps in pickup rollers. I've been using it since it came out and have had no problem. I suspect the same is true of ScaleTrax. If your loco has a low-bidder roller, it might wear. But then I've bought postwar Lionel steamers with pretty large gaps carved in the roller from tinplate track.

And it can be tough to mate. I've only fiddled with it a little and it was easy to decide that IF I was going to use it, it would be in a permanent setting, not a temporary venue like a holiday village.

There's not any RIGHT track, other than the one that suits your trackplan, taste, and budget.

[chuck]

There actually are standards for tie spacing.  The US Army Tech Manual on Railroad Design and Rehabilitation, TI 850-02 page 6-32 gives nominal spacing at 19.5 to 22 inches with minimum spacing of 18 inches and max of 24 inches for main line use.  There is a more rigorous treatise in the book Railroad Engineering by William Hay, pages 448-451.  He provides the formulas used to analyze spacing based on a number of factors.  He explains why/how the 19.5" "standard" was derived (usual compromise of cost vrs benefits).