I tried some american flyer pre-war switches on my 031 layout and the switch curves dont match. ie one american flyer switch + one .031 lionel curve does not equal a quarter of a circle. I need a tighter curve. Is this because the pre-war american flyer is not 031 radius.
.031 vs american flyer
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John, which scale are you asking about, and three-rail prewar or two-rail? The paragraph below is about S scale two-rail AF track:
"The 4' by 8' table was not "standard" when American Flyer S gauge first arrived. In those days, 5' by 9' was common because it was the size of a ping pong table. The wider curves used by American Flyer fit it well. For smaller layouts, however, the 19.5" radius / 38" diameter curve can be difficult. The 4' by 6' is perhaps the smallest one can go and still have an action-packed layout for S gauge."
"The 4' by 8' table was not "standard" when American Flyer S gauge first arrived. In those days, 5' by 9' was common because it was the size of a ping pong table. The wider curves used by American Flyer fit it well. For smaller layouts, however, the 19.5" radius / 38" diameter curve can be difficult. The 4' by 6' is perhaps the smallest one can go and still have an action-packed layout for S gauge."
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"Gilbert was not the first American company to offer 3/16s scale trains. The Cleveland (Ohio)Model & Supply Company had been offering theirs (known as "C-D")by '37. But the smaller scale (1:64) became much more prominent with its introduction in the 1939 catalog, which features World's Fair imagery on the yellow, black & white cover. The relatively expensive, heavy and highly detailed engines and cars had had diecast zinc alloy bodies. As were the HO rolling stock, the engines and cars were offered in completely manufactured and kit forms. Additional engines, cars and accessories were added in the 1940 catalog. These included less costly engines with tinplate tenders, and less costly freight and passenger cars, also made of painted tinplated steel. The 3/16 scale trains were designed to run on O gauge track whose curved sections had 20" radii (formed 40" circles). Importantly, the trains featured fully automatic coupling and uncoupling that were functionally comparable to Lionel's. Unlike Lionel's costly and sophisticated design (each truck contained a solenoid and electrical pickup shoe), the A.F. 'link & pin' (a.k.a. 'harpoon')couplers were gravity based."
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John Fin,
If I had a clear answer to your question, I would have given it to you. Since I didn't, I took the time to look up information that I thought might help you. In return, you chose to be rude and arrogant. Since you think it clever to be rude to someone who tried to help you, let me suggest you go look up the answer, yourself. And have a nice day, John Fin.:laugh::laugh::laugh:
If I had a clear answer to your question, I would have given it to you. Since I didn't, I took the time to look up information that I thought might help you. In return, you chose to be rude and arrogant. Since you think it clever to be rude to someone who tried to help you, let me suggest you go look up the answer, yourself. And have a nice day, John Fin.:laugh::laugh::laugh:
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At least you got a response from him reckers.
Go and check out the threads Mr fin starts. A lot of them get reply's trying to help him and he never even comes back and thanks anyone or even comments on their reply's.
I never had any of those switches so I don't know.
Now why don't you just answer his question! HUH!
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*BOL* Actually, I believe I did answer him. I think he's got the old track with a different radius for that original S scale. And despite his "S would never connect to 031 lionel", there originally was an S scale that ran on O track, as noted in the second post. He won't ever figure that out, though, since reading a paragraph seems to be beyond his skills. Vaya con Dios, johnfin!
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I'm just guessing, but I'll bet he's trying to work with a combination of either pre- or postwar Lionel O some pre-war AF O, and some prewar AF S scale track that went with that "S scale cars that run on O scale track" hybrid. It would stand to reason the hybrid would be a smaller, shorter car than the O and could manage a tighter radius. Or maybe he's working with too much Iron City on board.
switches
Pairing up the switches wont work because the radius is too short, hence it would look like half a figure eight. Pre-war american flyer for the most part is compatible with post war lionel 031 (black tie) lionel track. There must be a shorter curve segment to add to the switch.
Pairing up the switches wont work because the radius is too short, hence it would look like half a figure eight. Pre-war american flyer for the most part is compatible with post war lionel 031 (black tie) lionel track. There must be a shorter curve segment to add to the switch.
Problem found
American flyer pre-war switches are 42" diameter. Now one thing I have noticed is that people dont know the difference between radius and diameter. Lionel track is in diameter. Here is an incorrect example I found on the net:
Lionel O-Gauge Track
Lionel track is characterized by its 3 rail design, where power is carried in the center rail. Standard curved track is available in radii of 42”, 54” and 72.” Lionel’s FasTrack has curve sections with radii of 36”, 48”, 60” and 70.”
American flyer pre-war switches are 42" diameter. Now one thing I have noticed is that people dont know the difference between radius and diameter. Lionel track is in diameter. Here is an incorrect example I found on the net:
Lionel O-Gauge Track
Lionel track is characterized by its 3 rail design, where power is carried in the center rail. Standard curved track is available in radii of 42”, 54” and 72.” Lionel’s FasTrack has curve sections with radii of 36”, 48”, 60” and 70.”
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