Power-Loc question

[diesel9]

I got an Life-Like HO Power-Loc set two years ago, I got some extra rolling stock and tracks along the way, but when I look in these magazines, the coupler and track look way different. Should I stay with Power-Loc or go with something else that has more compatibility? And bigger manufactures like Bachmann.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

IMO the Powerloc track is THE WORST of the types with roadbed molded on. I use all nickel-silver Bachmann EZ-Track on my layout. It's not the easiest to work with but if proper care is observed while laying it it will work well. The best track on roadbed type is Kato's Unitrack.

 

[diesel9]

So will the Bachmann E-Z track or Unitrack have more compatibility to other rolling stock from different name brands?

 

[DCCinstalled]

There is an adapter that can be bought for the power-loc track that allows you to connect it to another type of track Atlas True-Track, Bachman EZ Track, and regular track also.

Look for 433-21314 and you should be able to find one.

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Before I went to all EZ-Track I ran Flex-Track with EZ-Track curves and turnouts. The flex-track and most sectional track will readily connect to the EZ-Track with no adapter needed. If I was going to connect EZ-Track with PowerLoc track I just cut the facing ends off of each and joined them with regular rail joiners. You'll be better off however totally avoiding the PowerLoc track altogether. Been there and fought with it. The track is low low quality and the life-like turnouts are total garbage. I had nothing but trouble with them. The Bachmann EZ-Track is MUCH better that the PowerLoc stuff and the Bachmann turnouts can be made to work very well with a bit of work and some patience. All my locos and rolling stock (from many manufacturers) run on it very well. Metal wheels work much better on it than plastic wheels.

 

[diesel9]

Okay,I'm thinking between E-Z Track and Unitrack, I even have some thought on Walthers.
My Power-Loc set has rails that are more darker and gray looking in some parts and tracks? Is it because of age or do I need a track eraser? Yeah, the turnouts suck every time a train gets close to one, it slows down for no apparent reason, I manually switch them too as trying to ge one automatic thorugh the power pack is a pain and I almost got electrocuted!!!

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Okay,I'm thinking between E-Z Track and Unitrack, I even have some thought on Walthers.
My Power-Loc set has rails that are more darker and gray looking in some parts and tracks?

The Walther's Tru-Track is quite good. On the subject of your rails being lighter and darker, let the color of the roadbed be your guide. If the roadbed is black it's steel rail and if the roadbed is gray it's nickel-silver rail. I avoid the steel rail as it becomes a nightmare to keep clean after a while. On the other hand the nickel silver rail can be used much longer between cleanings without it effecting the performance of your locos much. It's also easier to keep clean. I clean mine once every few years with Blue Magic metal polish. All it requires in between is a quick wipe with a clean dry cloth to keep it clean. On the EZ-Track-Uni-Track thing, if you can afford the higher price go with the Uni-Track, if not then get the EZ-Track with gray roadbed. I recommend #5 or #6 turnouts. The #4's are too sharp for the larger locos and cars.

 

[diesel9]

Ok thanks for the info.