Tightly-curved pikes with less straightaway can handle longer trains, yet will abide small consists well. Small pikes invariably have tight curves. Longer scale cars are at a disadvantage. The best picks are Classic and O27 sizes. Likewise, short trains are in order.
Small pikes do best with passenger consists under six cars, and freights under twelve.
Larger pikes abide almost any locomotive, even the biggest scale pieces. Small pikes require smaller motive power. For diesel, a small pike can look good with standard F units, yet will thrive with the smaller Alco FA and other semi-scale diesels. Pick your scale for your pike. A very large pike, like a club pike, does best with scale pieces.