Well, at 1/48 scale, 1 1/4 inches is correct for modeling 5-foot gauge, the Western and Atlantic, perhaps, or Russian prototypes. But for standard-gauge prototypes, the scale should be about 1/45, which is what Europeans use, or the gauge should be narrowed to 1.177 inches, which is what the Proto-48 O-scalers use. In short, our 1 1/4-inch gauge is "incorrect" for 1/48 scale.
Bob Nelson
It is still 3 rail track but instead of a center rail I have a series of small studs sticking up between the ties. They are barely visible. Instead of center pickup rollers, I use a set of sliders. Marklin uses this type of system on their HO scale line.
As far as the rail goes, Code 148 means that the rail is .148" tall. It has a realistic shape to it as well since it is not a hollow tubular style rail. The gauge is correct at 1-1/4". As a comparison, O27 rail is roughly .250" tall, O31 rail is even taller. Atlas 3 rail track uses Code 215 rail and even MTH Scaletrax is Code 190. My rail is far more realistic.
This isn't a system for everybody though. While not difficult to assemble, it doesn't just snap together. You definitely can't just set this up anywhere and run on it. It is intended for permanent installation and is aimed at the person wanting more of a model of a prototype feel rather than a toy train like layout.
For your old Marx and Lionel trains, this probably isn't the track for you. Then again I don't know what type of layout you want or if you just want a table layout. If you want a more realistic feel to it but still want tubular rail, I can show you how to make O27 style track into something that looks alot like the Atlas 3 rail track but for much cheaper.Then again maybe Lionel Fastrack would work better for you.
IM new so I'll try not to ask to much but what do you mean by "stud rail" and is the track made from single rail, code 148, placed apart for the correct gage? I have not seen single rail that I remember only track already set with ties. Im trying to build a smallish track for my old Marx 999 and Lionel 1110.
Thinks
Well some have tried. Others have planned to do it and yet others have made test pieces. Consider me in this group somewhere. Here are mine. Since I work in AutoCAD and Inventor all day, it was very easy for me to draw up a stud rail setup. Having an office window that overlooks a machine shop helps too. I have another aspect of this project that pertains to those who don't want stud rail but I thought I'd show this off first. These can be had in 3 different tie spacings. The middle spacing is compatible with Atlas 2R track. Most (but not all) 3R wheelsets will run on Atlas 2R track. They will not run through Atlas 2R switches though. I am solving that too. I am building switches (#4's at first) that have accurate tie spacing, code 148 rail and can be used with stud rail but with different frog and guard rail spacings to allow for 3R wheels. The plan being to make these adjustable for either 2R or 3R wheels.
These first pictures are just a test piece. The track is simple handlaid Code 148 rail with accurate tie size and spacing, spiked but with no tie plates. It is also only painted 1 color which is a dark brown. The goal for this piece was to get some pictures to show what the studs look like. Once I get all the bugs worked out, then I'll do some nicer display tracks. I also have outside 3rd rail coming for the subway modellers. Here are the very first pics. Again don't be too harsh. It was a quick mockup. I am still revising some things in the design but I'm not showing those right now. There is so much more potential here and it works with 3R wheels. It isn't expensive at all and the way I have done it make installation very quick and easy. Comments are welcome.
Fred
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4224535598/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4223769393/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4224538800/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4223773467/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4223775381/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4224544690/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4224546582/in/set-72157622966755435/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44365983@N08/4223781195/in/set-72157622966755435/
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