I think so. There will be others who will not agree with me.
It doesn't get much easier than this one.
The layout above that @Bruette shared is a great layout for beginners! It utilizes EZ track as he has shown here and there is even a YouTube Video showing exactly how to build this layout from start to finish
Track was the reason for my "false start" in the hobby. I started in 1974 when my Mom gave me a Tyco set. I was so excited, but I couldn't get the track right. Even with Tyco's sectional track. Every time I nailed it down, I thought "I got it now!" Nope, the trains would never make a complete run without derailing. It looked good sitting still under the Christmas tree.
You didn't mention what scale you're interested in. For HO scale, the Bachmann E-Z track is probably just fine as others have alluded to. But if you're thinking about doing N-scale, I'd highly recommend going with Kato Unitrack as opposed to the Bachmann track. Bachmann N-scale track is slightly under-gauge, and the guardrail clearances on the turnouts are a little too wide. This can cause running difficulty for virtually every other brand out there besides Bachmann's own train set locos and rolling stock, which are also under-gauged (the right amount, if you're lucky).
Paul, you mentioned good points (as always) about the N-scale EZ-Track that I was unaware of. I only have one N-Scale Bachmann Ready to Run Christmas set. It's a good little set but quite simple.
modelrailroadforums.com
Bachmann's N-scale E-Z track is generally fine for virtually anything N-scale, as long as it's nothing more than straight and curved sections. But once you start adding turnouts (and possibly crossings) into the mix, that's where the problems really start to rear their ugly heads.Paul, you mentioned good points (as always) about the N-scale EZ-Track that I was unaware of. I only have one N-Scale Bachmann Ready to Run Christmas set. It's a good little set but quite simple.
I just assumed HO; I should have remembered what Benny Hill said when you assume.
Thanks for enlightening me!
Since you said 4x8, I presume you are talking about HO-scale. Yes it is a good place to start, but, no a big BUTT, is that it is relatively expensive and prone to issues with turnout performance or failure. My issue with it for a real layout is the lack of pieces and the geometry of the turnouts. They have greatly improved the number of radius curves available, but the number and shape of turnouts and shorter pieces is lacking. my biggest gripe is one cannot get parallel tracks nearly close enough to look like a real siding or yard. As such one cannot get nearly as much track into a small space as with other trackage systems. Many people who go on past the "start" eventually replace it with a more robust track system.
I can't speak to the geometry of the turnouts; I have little experience with Bachmann E-Z Track turnouts.
Not everyone advances to a more sophisticated track system. However, for those who do, there is a robust aftermarket for well-maintained, used Bachmann E-Z Track.
Noise is a good point and can be an issue on hard surfaces. I'm legally deaf so noise is irrelevant to me. My wife has excellent hearing, and she tells me that carpet is highly effective at dampening the sound. Even I can notice the difference. The same is true for Lionel's Fastrack.
I did not know there was a assortment package for them. I had found several of the smaller pieces individually, but certainly not all of these. These REALLY improve the flexibility of their trackage system. In fact, looking at it if they add a 2.25" and a 2.5", it will be as robust as Atlas snap track.
I got one of those to help fill out my layout design to make everything work design-wise. Very handy.
Bachmann makes a 2.25" You can use a 1.5"+1" to make 2.5"
They make larger radius than that also.
I was not aware of that. What other radius curves are available? While it's not crucial for me since I have all the E-Z Track curves I'll need. It may benefit someone who refers to this thread in the future seeking that information.
I haven't checked the latest prices, but it wouldn't surprise me if they increased even further.
That is exactly what I do with my Lionel Fastrack Christmas layouts.Design track arrangements that don't need that size
I've been telling everyone my test loop is 32" radius, but I can't find such a thing in the stores. Bachmann site shows there is a 33 1/4, and 35 1/2. So unless they changed the line in the last 10 years my test loop must either be 28" or the 33 1/4". I will have to re-educate myself next time I get to it. It is interesting they don't have anything between those two. 30" minimum is a very common thing with some brass models.
I stand corrected, thank you!
That would not surprise me.
