> this week it is this confusion over wheels... > Rachel covington Rachel....
No need for confusion. Yes, a need for understanding the wierdness of track/wheels in S. Hopefully some explanation will clear away the fog and let the light shine in. Here goes.... To simplify things, let's think of track/wheels together instead of being two different topics. Also, let's think of "scale" track/wheels as one category and "non-scale" track/wheels as another category. Are you with me so far? Now, let's consider some basic facts about all this: 1. Scale wheels will run well on scale track. 2. Scale wheels will not run well on non-scale track. 3. Non-scale wheels will not run well on scale track. 4. Non-scale wheels will run well on some, but not all, non-scale track. 5. For good operation, it is best to not mix scale and non-scale track/wheels. Pick one or the other for your layout and stick with what you choose. It becomes your personal standard. Let's consider some definitions.... A. "Scale" track/wheels means the dimensions comply with the NMRA/NASG standards as shown on their respective web sites. At this moment in history, the standards for both organizations are the same. B. "Non-scale" track/wheels means the dimensions DO NOT comply with the NMRA/NASG standards. Non-scale track/wheels can be just about anything a particular manufacturer chooses to make. There is no hobby-wide standardization for non-scale track/wheels. Thus, Flyonel track can be different from American Models track which is different from MTH/SHS track. And differences in gauge, height, ties, ballast, flange depth, flange thickness, tread width, etc. are just the beginning of the variations between all the various brands of non-scale track/wheels. Some non-scale track/wheels are compatible with other brands of non-scale track/wheels. And some are not. Still with me on all this...? Let's move along to your specific questions: > 1. AM states that their scale wheels will not run on their track without some > modification...How come and what do you do to fix that? The first thing to realize is that AM track is not scale track. Thus, scale wheels will not operate well on it. Yes, the wheels can be re-gauged if you want. If you are new to S, I would suggest you choose either scale or non-scale for your layout and then buy products that are compatible with your choice. Mixing and matching is little more than a headache for most. > 2. Lionel offers AC in scale wheels while AM doesn't...how come? Each company makes products they think will sell. Generally, they will not make products they do not think will sell. Not all companies view S scale the same. If you want scale wheels, buy them. If you want non-scale wheels, buy them AFTER you make sure they will operate on your track system of choice. > 3. Not sure where MTH/SHS will land on this but if any one knows... MTH has stated they will make both scale and AF-compatible products. Whether this statement applies to all products or only some products is unknown at this point in time. We should know more when the MTH catalog comes out later this year (approx). > 4. Will FastTrack run both hi-rail and scales or is it to low? It is not the height of the rail that determines if track will run both hi-rail and/or scale. It is the gauge of the turnouts and the gauge/contour of the wheels that dictate scale or non-scale for the most part. Plain old track is quite forgiving, but the switches/turnouts is what will cause you miserable grief. Again, it is best to not mix scale with non-scale if you want the best of operation. Being new to S, you can simply buy only what fits your track/wheel environment. Us older guys are stuck with stuff we bought many decades ago. Fortunately you do not have that problem. > If it is to low can you grind down the flange depth on hi-rail to make it > work? Anything is possible if you have the time and money and talent. Keep in mind that flanges will ideally have a special contour which includes various radii, thickness, depth, etc. Not a simple job to do correctly with a hand file. Yes, flanges can be ground down, but it is usually easier to just buy new different wheels. Or, sell the loco and buy one with the proper flanges for your track. > Seems like every time I start getting to know something about what is offered > in this scale I find something new to confuse me. You might enjoy going to the S Sig's web site and reading an article on S scale (NOT non-scale) track products. It is very informative and educational. Click here: http://sscale.org/s-scale-resources/s-scale-track-products/ > Sorry for all the questions buts its either ask ask ask or flee to a simpler > gauge/scale. No need to flee. There is no advantage to that. I might suggest you take advantage of the S Sig's Mentoring Service which is specifically designed to assist newbies to S scale. Check here for details: http://sscale.org/s-scale-resources/specialists-and-mentors/ > Thanks for your time, Rachel covington No problem. That is why we are here. Good luck.....Ed L. S Sig Coordinator www.Sscale.org ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
