David Shapiro posted:Just to make sure I understand, can somebody explain the difference between S-scale track and Hi-Rail track. I'm asking since I'm specifically interested in S-scale.
Thanks,
David
Pretty much code 125 and above rail in S is considered Hi-rail, but it's not written in stone. Anything less than code 125 and the flanges of Hi-rail or Flyer equipment may start bumping on the ties. These images of a truck of the Lionel SD70 illustrate the difference in wheel flanges. It should also be noted the Hi-rail wheel tread is wider than the scale wheel tread.
Hi-rail:
Scale:
The crucial point between scale and hi-rail track is the gap of the flangeways and frogs in the turnouts. These gaps need to be wider than on scale track for the deep flanged American Flyer and hi-rail wheelsets to pass through.
To better illustrate, this is a Hi-rail car on a (code 100) scale frog. While this car will roll pretty well on scale track, the turnouts are impassable as the flange rides up on the frogs guard rail:
This is why Fox Valley will be offering turnouts as Scale or Hi-rail versions.
Hope this is of some help.
Rusty
