@BetaNuSigmaPhi posted:Thanks, Chuck for the detailed explanation. I guess, if I want to run DC/DCC motive power and rolling stock with scale wheels parallel to the hi-rail trains on the same layout, then I have to set up a separate track geometry made of AM trackage material .
AM track offers the same feature of accommodating both scale and high rail wheels as SHS/MTH, FasTrack and FVM do, but the AM rail is larger. Also their turnouts are either scale or high-rail whereas the FasTrack and SHS/MTH turnouts have a closed-frog design that accommodates both scale and high-rail. FVM turnouts can be pretty easily modified to accommodate both scale and high rail (I have the instructions to do this from the inventor of this method and have done it myself). When I expand mine, I will be using all FVM turnouts and adding switch motors.
Another key for you will be radius. If you are going to run scale wheels, stay away from the 20" sectional track curves and 20" turnouts. You'll want the 27" or #5 turnouts offered from the above mentioned brands. And beware that even the 27" curves/turnouts do not accommodate large scale wheeled steam engines from the brass fine scale manufacturers like River Raisin.
