A Few minutes with
Rich Battista on ScaleTrax

The following is an excerpt of an interview with Rich Battista, producer of the DVD The Black Diamond Railway. Here he answers frequently asked questions on ScaleTrax installation and operation. To see how Rich built and operates the layout that appears in the video, and learn more about his techniques for using ScaleTrax, check out the DVD at Rich's Web site, www.toytrainsontracks.com,

Rich, what made you choose
ScaleTrax for your layout?

it's the most realistic-looking three-rail track system. Granted, the tie spacing is a bit wide for a modern main line. But I don't think you notice it once the track is ballasted. The ScaleTrax running rails are lower, thinner, and closer to prototype cross-section than any of the other three-rail systems, and that makes a huge difference in appearance. Add to that a center rail that's very thin, and you have threerail track that looks pretty close to the two-rail prototype. In fact, visitors to my layout who are not railroad hobbyists don't seem to notice the third rail. In my experience, what happens with scaleTrax is that the track becomes less prominent, making the locomotives and rolling stock appear more massive. Click here to download the rest of the interview.
See video
O Gauge modelers planning the design of their railroad with ScaleTrax may want to pick up copies of Rich Battista's layout videos. The debut and follow up DVD from Toy Trains on Tracks features Rich's Black Diamond Railroad. These 74 & 84 minute discs feature videographer Rich Battista's design, construction and scenery techniques used in the production of his home layout. Both videos include detailed segments on Rich's inclusion of DCS as his command control protocol and ScaleTrax for his track work. Any modeler still trying to determine which track system to employ will find Rich's techniques for using ScaleTrax an excellent video reference. In addition to the wiring and track tips, the DVD includes video footage of over 30 different locomotives interspersed with segments on benchwork, ballasting, groundcover, and mountain construction.