Track and style to use

[Julioengineer]

Any thoughts on whether Bachmann ez track or cork railbed and track is better? If I remember correctly track and cork bed is less expensive. Is there a big quality difference between Atlas and Model Power track?

 

[railfan]

I've been reading a lot about different types of track in preparation for my own N scale layout.

The bachmann EZ track is what it says....easy to put together. The thick foam bed built into to eack track section results in a much taller profile than prototypical track on roadbed. I'm not positive but would guess there is a smaller selection of different radius curve sections, as well as fewer turnouts, crossings, etc. than conventional atlas type track. There may be more chance of electrical faults with so many individual pieces of ez track verses using long sections of flex track. But if you just want to get going quickly and easily this might be the best option.

If you are taking the time to plan and build a more complex and accurate layout then conventional type track laid on cork or a thin foam bed(that comes in long rolls) gives you many more options in terms of section lengths, curve radii, various switches and turnouts, crossings, etc., as well as better appearance and realism.

Here is a link to some good well written info on N scale track types I found today. He talks about the reasons code 80 track is better for the beginner than code 55. This was very helpful and answered many of my own questions.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Types-of-N-Scale-Model-Railroad-Track?ugid=10000000011719110

 

[Julioengineer]

Thank you Railfan. That was helpful. I have never liked that easy track stuff because then you are locked into that kind of track for your whole layout and it cost more money. I am in agreement with you about apperance and realism and believe it or not i enjoy the tedious work of laying down ballast on track and corkbed. I have purchased a large lot of nickel silver code 80 track for a layout I'm planning. Once I pull out what I need I should still have a lot left over if you are interested. That should save you some money if you decide to go that way. I know I saved a lot by using eBay. PM me if you want to know what I have left over. Once again thanks for the info.

 

[CSX Robert]

...I have never liked that easy track stuff because then you are locked into that kind of track for your whole layout...

Not true, you can freely mix the various type of code 80 track. It may take some shimming at the transitions to get the rail heights to match, and it may take some trimming to get pieces to mate up (for example, trimming off the tab at the end of the Bachmann EZ Track). I have mixed Atlas flex and sectional with EZ Track and Kato Unitrack all on the same layout.

That being said, I suggest that you stay away from EZ Track. I have a lot of trouble out of their turnouts. Their straights and curves are OK, but they don't have a wide variety and they don't look near as good as Unitrack.

Unitrack is similar to EZ Track as far as being a roadbed track, but that is where the similarities end. It is much better looking, much better quality, much better turnouts, and has a very wide variety of pieces.

Another option is Atlas True Track, which I really like because it looks even better than Unitrack, but it does not have near the variety of pieces as Unitrack. Tru Track is also an odd size (code 65) so it is not easy to mix with any other track.

The cost of roadbed track is higher than other track, but when you consider the cost of the roadbed and ballast, the difference is not as great as you may think.

 

[Julioengineer]

Thanks CSX. I have decided to go with Atlas sectional track. Now I need to decide if I want to use cork or foam roadbed. I was told at the LHS that foam is better because it doesn't dry up like cork. Any thoughts from anybody on the best one to use?

 

[Steve S]

If you want something super cheap, you might try Readiboard from Dollar Tree stores. I talked about it in this thread...
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24813

Steve S