I can relate my dad's recent experience with using Bachmann EZ track to build a layout. He made his layout with EZ track, and although it does function, he wishes he did not do it. From what I have heard the KATO stuff is a bit better than B EZ track, but still suffers from the same major drawback, which is that when you are making layout, which will not conform to the dimensions of the snap together track, you end up having to cut this stuff and it ends up being a royal PITA. In addition to this issue you are forcing yourself to have many more joints than if you used flex. These little "ticks" between each section add up and the end effect is that you have a track that is not as smoothly operating compared to using regular flex and turnout construction. What it boils down to is this: The plastic roadbed track systems are great for making "on-the-floor" layouts around the Christmas tree and such, but if you are making a permanent layout you will save lots of time and money and end up with a far superior layout if you go with flex/roadbed construction.
You make a lot of good points. I laid out the bit of Kato track I've used since the flood took all my old buildings and snap track from my large layout (6 years ago) and took stock of what I have.
Cons: It is limiting because of the lack of flex track or a good variety of +19" fixed radius. Wiring turnouts and track sections will be over complicated and expensive using Kato components. Roadbed is fairly steep compared to roadbed/cork I have used in the past, creating a strange look when figures are brought into play. There are no manual switches.
Pros: The track tie spacing looks great when compared to Atlas flex or Snap track. The switches do not have those oversize switch machines and work smoothly. No need for pounding itty bitty nails into poorly drilled holes in flex track ties.
My past layouts were 4 x 13 and a large 8 x 13 walk inside with a wye extension. I used Atlas snap track and flex track and found it simple, inexpensive and functioned OK. I am also very familiar with their wiring methods, which are as easy as it gets and all you really need is a $10 spool of wire to do any layout.
I think the Kato served its purpose, which was to keep my interest alive and let me run some engines on the floor or table to keep them in working order. I Like using Atlas track and manual switches for reachable areas because of the simplicity and reliability but have not found anything even remotely prototypical to use.
I really need to do the homework to decide exactly what my ground work will consist of. I want to do a 1950's era Pennsy based road with loco service/roundhouse, large through yard and sweeping curves with 19" minimum on mainline. Kato track may be difficult to use.
Thanks!
Mike Fifer of Fifer Hobby Supply has an extensive set of videos on You Tube regarding his use of Unitrack on his home layout. It is outstanding. Just search under Fifer Hobby.
Thanks for the info. I have seen his site along with a few others using Kato. That's what is making the next decision so difficult: which track to use. It's a big one and I want to do it right.
One option I have looked at is Kato on Main Line and Atlas/flex in yards and service areas using Kato adapter tracks. I think that may over complicate things, however.
Thanks for the info!!
Looking at my box of stuff, there is some Atlas Code 55 in there. Looking at the old Walthers 2009 Catalog, this seems to have a good amount of variety and looks good. What is your experience with running trains on this Code 55 track?
The photo's I posted are a small part of my layout, the "new" JJJ&E. 
