News: Track

A company by the name of Model Train Technology, located in Orlando, Florida, is introducing their latest product, called the Speed Stick. While not S-specific, they do acknowledge and support S-scale. Place this device near your track, run the train passed it, and see its scale speed reported on the small display screen built into the device. The device uses an internal rechargeable battery, so no wires are needed. It can be charged by connecting it to any 5-volt charger.

Visit the Web Site

• View Promotional Video

Empire Trackworks has significantly expanded their product line of track components. These affect S "scale", S "hi-rail", and Sn3.

To their existing S "scale" line-up, they have added the following: #4, #4.5, #7, and #10 left- and right-hand turnouts, available in skeleton format only or with real-wood ties supplied. These are available in codes 70, 83, and 100.

New to the S "scale" line-up are #4, #5, #6, and #8 wye turnouts available in codes 70, 83, and code 100 for #4 and #5 wyes, similarly, in skeleton format only or with real-wood ties supplied.

New to the S "scale" line-up are 14-, 19-, 30-, 45-, 60-, and 90-degree crossings available with codes 70, 83, and 100 rail, with or without real-wood ties.

An entirely new product line introduced today are their S "hi-rail" turnouts, wye turnouts, three-way turnouts, crossings, and point derails. These are available with code 125 and code 148 (with some limitations), and either with or without real-wood ties.

Finally, for the narrow-gaugers, they have added three-way stub turnouts for Sn3 in either ready-to-drop-in or skeleton format.

Example S hi-rail Turnout

Doug Junda of San Juan Model Co. mentioned that part of the acquisition of Trout Creek Enterprises was the product line known as BK Enterprise, which has a wide variety of S and Sn3 track components available. He reported that the staff that Cliff Mestel had for making those track components have moved over to Denver as well and are continuing to make those components. He expects the whole set up to be ready for production by early January 2025.

Pennsy S Models, founded by Bill Lane and Dan Mastrobuono, was started in 1999 producing two brass cars, decals, and brass trucks. The company has been dormant since 2002 due to the owners' life-changes. However, their big announcement is that the company is back. While no contracts have been signed yet they have a handshake-agreement for a path forward. They will be making code 100 flex track, and #6 and #8 DCC-compatible, NASG/NMRA standards-matching turnouts. The first thing made will be flex track since that is the easiest thing to tackle. It will flex very easily, have a mainline tie spacing, and be sturdy enough to move and reuse if needed. Turnouts will be made later because some significant design work is needed. They will have the Peco snap feature and metal interior components. Everything will be made in America! This is a fully-funded undertaking. The ultimate objective is to sell the track system via ScaleTrains and their web site. (right-click on the photo below to see a larger version of it)

The Crew Making This Happen

Two-pack of unpainted electric switch machines, to dress up your track work. The items are 3D-printed and arrive unpainted. For an extra fee you can order them pre-painted.

Visit the Web Site

Shane Lambert bought Tomalco Track from Larry Morton in 2023. He later renamed the company to "S Scale Track". However, it appears that the web site has now been changed to only use the name "Tomalco Track". Shane acknowledged issues with producing turnouts in a timely manner and last month announced on his Facebook page that he has found an outside contractor to build the turnouts for him. Larry Morton, when he owned the company, had a similar arrangement. Shane also announced that he is working with his flextrack supplier to consider the idea of creating S-scale dual-gauge flextrack (Micro Engineering has dual-gauge flextrack in HO-scale). This web site's "Resources" and "Product Gallery" sections have been updated to reflect the name-change.

• Visit the Web Site

These high-quality 3D-printed clips are designed to slip on to Lionel's FasTrack components to hold them together better. They are available in packages of 100, 50, 25, or 12 (different pages on their web site linked to here).

Package of 100 Clips

Package of 50 Clips

Package of 25 Clips

Package of 12 Clips

Alan Loizeaux, owner of Empire Trackworks, announces the official opening of his new web site. Alan, with a last name some of you may recognize, is a professional, real-world, railroader. He has been custom-building turnouts for people for a good while now, and has decided to formalize his venture. The web site provides a complete way for you to place your custom order. The company can build trackwork components in S, Sn3, On3, and On30. Turnouts can be ordered with three different rail heights, three different frog numbers, and with or without wooden ties. Printed-circuit-board ties are used to keep the rail in perfect gauge. Each product comes with full instructions for you to be able to successfully install the component on your layout, module, or diorama. In addition to conventional turnouts, for S and Sn3, the company also offers 3-way turnouts, stub turnouts, and point derails. Additionally, contact the company if you have a need for a special trackwork component. Example photos of the items are shown on the web site, online ordering is enabled, and previous customers' feedback is shown. Alan also maintains a blog on the web site, so that you can see what he is up to and where you might be able to speak to him in person at a train show.

visit the web site
(photo of an S-scale 3-way)

#4 Frog LH and RH turnout code 70 $40.00 ea
#4.5 Frog LH and RH turnout code 70 $40.00 ea
#4.5 Frog LH and RH turnout code 83 $40.00 ea
#5 Frog LH and RH turnout code 70 $42.00 ea
#5 Frog LH and RH turnout code 83 $42.00 ea
#6 Frog LH and RH turnout code 70 $42.00 ea
#6 Frog LH and RH turnout code 100 $42.00 ea (painted or unpainted ties)
#7 Frog LH and RH turnout code 100 $45.00 ea
#10 Frog LH and RH Turnout code 100 $48.00 ea
#6 three way switch code 70 unpainted ties $85.00
#6 double switch switch code 70 unpainted ties $125.00
Start an e-mail message (scottw90@yahoo.com).