[gt40fp330]

Hello all,

I posted a few questions like this a while back, but had problems logging back on.
First off, I have built a 1:48 scale Model railroad and wish to put in about 40ft or so of 1:43
scale track (closest to 1:48). Seems like SCX and Carrear are the 2 major 1:43 lines. Any opinions on which to go with?
Does SCX track mate with Carrear track? and I take they can run on each others track. If I have say 40-50ft of two lane
track, will the power supply that comes with a set be enough to power this size track? If I wish a more scale like track speed,
not flying around the track, can a controller or power supply be set for a slower speed? A take the min. radius curve of SCX is 18", what is the min. size curve radius of Carrear track? Always 4 sections of track to make a 180 deg turn? what are the standard lengths of track sections in inches? Yakes!! Alot of questions!! I know you guys can come up with some answers!
Thanks, Bill Ossipee, NH

 

[hankscorpio]

Garrera Go.... Has a wider slot and will accept both the SCX 1/43 and their own cars....

SCX stuff is very limited by comparison... the Go range has 3 differing radii of curves and various "action pieces" crossovers and even a set of "points" in railway terminology to give two different circuits in one... You can even go digital with the Carerra 1/43... but i think it only goes up to 3 cars...

The set PSU should be ample for two cars and the sort of length of track you propose... A variable voltage Bench PSU will allow you to tune the voltage to just where you want it... 3-4amps should be more than enough for these little cars...

Carrera and SCX track dont "mate" Go is stiffer and a bit slippier but more than makes up for it in the range of track pieces...

Dimensions and things in the catalogue... Online Link

 

[MrFlippant]

I agree. Get Carrera track for the variety. You can then use any 1/43 car you want, including the SCX Compact ones.

 

[Sabata]

As others have said, Carrera Go track has much more variety and SCX compact cars will run great on Go track.
I would go with GO

track and buy some SCX compact cars.
The only measurement I know is Carrera Go straights are 13.5''.

Here's a couple pics of my Carrera Go D143 track. I hooked a D132 black box to it to enable 6 cars to run at a time.

 

[MrFlippant]

Great looking track, Sabata! A perfect example of something that SCX could NOT do, because as far as I know, they don't have an outside turn piece. They only have one turn size, which prevents nesting.
The ability to move to digital by swapping out the important bits is also a plus.

 

[masmojo]

A couple of clarifications, First Although SCX and Carrera 1/43 tracks ARE different they CAN be used together, the main difference is the rail pins are opposite one to the other, the slot construction is also a little different, but many people have built converter tracks; building a converter track will allow you to plug Carrera on one end and SCX on the other. Searching in SCI or HRW's 1/43 forums will yield "how-to" tutorials to show you the way.

Personally I prefer the SCX track and they do have an outside turn available; they are just hard to get! Unfortunately I also have to say that the Carrera is probably the way to go track wise, purely because of the variety available (carrera is supposed to be introducing a third turn radius this year if it's not already available). If SCX ever gets off their duffs and shows Compact some love the tables could easily tilt the other way! Compact's banked turns are the bomb!! As others have said the SCX cars WILL run very well on Carrera!

Actually my preference in 1/43 as in 1/32 is routed, but that's another thread!!

 

[gt40fp330]

Thanks All
Carrear looks like the way to go. Just bought the F1 set (not the set with the loops) Also bought a 51 pc Carrera track slection off Ebay.
I'll see what I can do with all this and go from there and see what else I need. Show a photo getting started'
Thanks again!

 

[gt40fp330]

Now if I could only find the GT40 and FP300 in Carrear or SCX I be all set!!
Bill