Track with roadbed like Bachmann ez track, kato unitrack and others

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davidone

Well-Known Member
I am building a new layout in ho that will be approximately 14x5. I plan on using one of the track systems in the title. What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion. I have used many other track systems over the years but now at my age (78) I need a easier time of it.
I need to know the quality of the items I will be using like the turnouts, the track itself, ease of acquiring, price, etc.

I have bought some of each so far to test out and to my surprise ez track seems to widely available, sturdy and connects very well. Kato is very good but not widely available and cost is high.

So give me your thoughts, please don't tell me to hand lay it or use track like peco, atlas, etc. Those days are over! I just want a sturdy easy to assemble track system.

Thanks for your anticipated help,

Dave
 
If you're in the USA/Canada, Kato track is probably the best (not cheapest) way to go.

You might pick up some on ebay and save money. It's pretty durable and not easily damaged. The joiners are easily replaced if need be.

For Kato turnouts, I'd get the "manual" ones and add the switch motors where needed. Be aware that the motors come in "left hand" and "right hand" versions.

I usef the terminal unijoiners instead of actual terminal track sections. Just depends on what you like.

Be aware that if you intend to have any "diamonds" (RR crossings at grade) that Kato makes only a 90-degree version.

Do you have any plans in mind?

Here's a pic of my layout under construction (a modified version of the "Black River Junction" plan from MR magazine):
Layout under construction.JPG


An L-shaped extension was added for a yard:
Yard 1.jpg


I used the Kato switch levers and wiring.
There are several track feeds, using the 3-into-1 connectors and addition cable extensions.
Kato -- as a system -- makes all of this EASY.

Are you going to go dcc?
If so, have you made any choices yet?
I have recommendations there as well.
 
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I don't use it, but I will tell you (suggest) painting the rail. Making the roadbed and track stand out. I don't think you can go wrong with the Fast Track, + it is widely available.

Not fun chasing short supplies of the most basic component for building a model RR. A motivation killer for sure.

Check out the Fast Track accessories offered, crossing signals, etc also.
My 0.02
Pep
 


steelwheels said:
I don't use it, but I will tell you (suggest) painting the rail. Making the roadbed and track stand out. I don't think you can go wrong with the Fast Track, + it is widely available.

Not fun chasing short supplies of the most basic component for building a model RR. A motivation killer for sure.

Check out the Fast Track accessories offered, crossing signals, etc also.
My 0.02
Pep
Click to expand...
When you say fast track who is the maker?
 
J.Albert said:
If you're in the USA/Canada, Kato track is probably the best (not cheapest) way to go.

You might pick up some on ebay and save money. It's pretty durable and not easily damaged. The joiners are easily replaced if need be.

For Kato turnouts, I'd get the "manual" ones and add the swith motors where needed. Be aware that the motors come in "left hand" and "right hand" versions.

I usef the terminal unijoiners instead of actual terminal track sections. Just depends on what you like.

Be aware that if you intend to have any "diamonds" (RR crossings at grade) that Kato makes only a 90-degree version.

Do you have any plans in mind?

Here's a pic of my layout under construction (a modified version of the "Black River Junction" plan from MR magazine):
View attachment 219919

An L-shaped extension was added for a yard:
View attachment 219920

I used the Kato switch levers and wiring.
There are several track feeds, using the 3-into-1 connectors and addition cable extensions.
Kato -- as a system -- makes all of this EASY.

Are you going to go dcc?
If so, have you made any choices yet?
I have recommendations there as well.
Click to expand...
Kato track is great track but ho Kato track is hard to find. Some shops have some and others have very little. I rather see what I am buying, but if needed I will order it.
Btw I will be running mostly dc.
 
davidone said:
When you say fast track who is the maker?
Click to expand...
I think he is referring to Lionel's HO Fastrack. It is widely available; Amazon and others have it. I like it for my simple HO layouts. I don't know about turnouts.

Lionel Model Trains: Track & Transformers

www.lionelstore.com www.lionelstore.com

I've used Bachmann, it is good stuff too. It too is widely available. I have used the manual turnouts; they worked great for me. They make track packs that are a good starting point, and they have many assorted sizes. If price becomes a concern, they make a steel rail version with black roadbed that is cheaper than nickel-silver. Steel means more maintenance, but it works fine.
Amazon has the steel version track pack on sale now.

I never used Kato, but I've heard it is top of the line.

I wish you all the best Dave!
 
This is strictly my pros and cons, but each modeler will probably have others to add on both sides. We each have our own preferences and druthers in the hobby:

Cons - cost, and all of them force the builder into constraints caused by the lengths of each piece and of the curvature. Aesthetically, apart from the fake ballast (some looking better than others, but our imaginations should not be lazy in this hobby), you can't generate those nice Euler spiral curves that we call eased curves. Finally, vertical easements into and out of elevation changes (grades) are exceedingly difficult with sectional track.

Pros - durable (it handled, assembled, disassembled, and stored, with due care), and it's much faster to run time. So, it's convenient, and that is why it costs.
 
Go Kato. Learned this lesson the hard way. I have Bachmann EZ Track. The track is fine but the switches are not the best. I’ve had to tweak almost all of my switches to get them to work more smoothly. Still have a couple that need more work. My plans are for full track replacement of Kato only.
 
davidone said:
I am building a new layout in ho that will be approximately 14x5. I plan on using one of the track systems in the title. What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion. I have used many other track systems over the years but now at my age (78) I need a easier time of it.
I need to know the quality of the items I will be using like the turnouts, the track itself, ease of acquiring, price, etc.

I have bought some of each so far to test out and to my surprise ez track seems to widely available, sturdy and connects very well. Kato is very good but not widely available and cost is high.

So give me your thoughts, please don't tell me to hand lay it or use track like peco, atlas, etc. Those days are over! I just want a sturdy easy to assemble track system.
Click to expand...
Well, I find all pre-roadbedded track systems to be:
1. expensive.
2. limited in the options for track geometry.
3. generally limits one to the one vendor.
4. a bit of work to disguise its sectional nature.
5. noisy.

  • I would avoid Atlas Tru-Track just because there is such a limited selection of pieces. I think only 1 turnout option, and 2 curve radii options. I've only ever used it for simple "toy train" type layouts.
  • I would avoid the Lionel Magnelock. Same selection of pieces issue, plus the magnets still aren't that strong. I believe they are positioning this to replace the HO FASTrack (of which I know nothing about).
  • I would avoid the Life-Like Power Lock system. Great idea, but poorly (cheaply) implemented. The conductive "tabs" on the fingers get all bent up soooo easily. Also I think only 1 turnout option.
  • Bachmann EZ track is getting a better and better selection of curved radii tracks, several turnout options, unfortunately the turnouts are prone to failure after a while (search for and read some really old, +15 years old, posts by SPACEMOUSE, on what he did to attempt to fix his). I use the Bachmann for Christmas Tree use and have a test loop of 34" Radius curves. I've purchased all mine 2nd hand because I find it too pricey.
  • Kato I have never used, I understand it is top notch, other than the afore mentioned lack of crossing pieces.
  • Piko does have there A-Track. I know nothing about it other than it looks interesting. One would have to get used to the Eurpoean Radius #1, #2, #3 type scheme for curves. Here are two links.
    https://g.co/kgs/uem5LtQ https://www.piko-america.com/collections/ho-scale-roadbed-a-track

EDIT
I cannot find the SpaceMouse thread where he describes how he fixed the Bachmann EZ-Track turnouts, just references to it:
https://modelrailroadforums.com/for...track-system-anyone-use-it.22317/#post-284437
https://modelrailroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/bachmann-ez-switch-problem.7671/#post-97211

Found another from 2007 that said he switched to Fast Tracks, so it would have to be before that.
https://modelrailroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/bout-fed-up.5350/
 
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davidone said:
I am building a new layout in ho that will be approximately 14x5. I plan on using one of the track systems in the title. What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion. I have used many other track systems over the years but now at my age (78) I need a easier time of it.
I need to know the quality of the items I will be using like the turnouts, the track itself, ease of acquiring, price, etc.

I have bought some of each so far to test out and to my surprise ez track seems to widely available, sturdy and connects very well. Kato is very good but not widely available and cost is high.

So give me your thoughts, please don't tell me to hand lay it or use track like peco, atlas, etc. Those days are over! I just want a sturdy easy to assemble track system.

Thanks for your anticipated help,

Dave
Click to expand...
I used the Bachmann EZ track on my first layout, and mixed their turnouts with Atlas track on my second.

I got the one with the gray roadbed.

I had good luck with their turnouts, and they come with hidden mechanism so are easy to hook up and operate.

I did not have any problems with the track.

I found the products easy to use. I mounted mine permanently and ballasted the track.

Dave LASM
 
Although I have read many complaints about using track like ez track and others I have found no issues with the track or the switches. There is a real prejudice against Bachmann products. No doubt some of their earliest products were not great including their Ez track and other products but over the years they have improved their product line.
This layout I'm planning will be all EZ track and switches. Not the most prototypical but after building multiple layouts with more real looking track, at this time and my age I just want easy. Not for everyone but now It is for me.
Have fun and don't always pay attention to the so called experts. I know one guy who will not buy engine other then Athearn genesis. They are great but not everyone can afford them. Buy what you like and can afford. You can always add detail!!
 
UPDATE,

I went with Bachmann ez track. It is a quality product and very surprised by that. It is pricy but well worth. It imo. It will be a two track main line with a four track storage yard. I have bought #6 switches for the yard.
All my switches will be hand thrown beings the layout is less than 5' wide. Also the layout is 50" high to make it so I can do some of the wireing.

I had quite a few layouts in the past where I had laid track and switches and it was very enjoyable but now I'm not quite as young or flexible as I used to be and most of my friends are now dead or not able to do anything.

So my advise to those growing older is to never give up, keep playing with trains and build a layout as you get older to fit what your able to do. I am and its enjoyable as hell! Try to keep yourself involved in all activities, try to keep up with your friends and family.. Most of all model trains have been a lifetime hobby for me filled with fun, friends and family. Your never too old to play!!!!
 
steelwheels said:
Well, it's an earned reputation.
Pep
Click to expand...
As I mentioned above but, as you stated its a earned reputation but that's old news. Its now 2025 and Bachmann is doing some great products, the hudson released about a year and a half ago for under $300 is a product worth having. Great sound, diecast engine, runs great and very well detailed. I always wanted a hudson because my dad was one of the last steam engineers on the NYC. But I could never afford one until Bachmann did it. I hope the berkshire is the same quality thats coming next year and i believe it will be. The ez track is the best roadbed track out there and imo better then Kato. Kato major problem is that they can't produce enough especially in ho and its too expensive.

Yes they had a bad reputation and it was well deserved but those days are over and have been for quite some time. Come into 2025 and open your eyes.
 
davidone said:
As I mentioned above but, as you stated its a earned reputation but that's old news. Its now 2025 and Bachmann is doing some great products, the hudson released about a year and a half ago for under $300 is a product worth having. Great sound, diecast engine, runs great and very well detailed. I always wanted a hudson because my dad was one of the last steam engineers on the NYC. But I could never afford one until Bachmann did it. I hope the berkshire is the same quality thats coming next year and i believe it will be. The ez track is the best roadbed track out there and imo better then Kato. Kato major problem is that they can't produce enough especially in ho and its too expensive.

Yes they had a bad reputation and it was well deserved but those days are over and have been for quite some time. Come into 2025 and open your eyes.
Click to expand...


I had a modest N layout for years; the goal was to replicate the world as it is. Choosing 100s of feet of flex track and cork roadbed.
I believe that goal was successful.

DSCN1382.JPG

IMG_2458.jpeg

The type of track you boast about will never come close to the visual effect seen with the use of flex track.

"Yes they had a bad reputation and it was well deserved but those days are over and have been for quite some time. Come into 2025 and open your eyes"

2024, eyes wide open, July last year, this was the layout room.
IMG_2071.jpeg

Today
IMG_3170.jpeg
IMG_2879.jpeg
New scale, same goal
Cheers,
Pep
 
In the past I have hand laid all my ho track, built from the ground up. It was great looking and performing track. No track made then or today comes close to its quality or look. But not everyone can do what some of us have done.
Bachmann, Atlas and others have made track so others can enjoy this wonderful hobby. I'm building a layout today at age 80 using the Bachmann ez track, is it better than hand laying the rail with separate ties and hand made switches? Of course not. But it is easier for me at this time in my life.
Everyone no matter their skill level can have the layout of their dreams, I have built several in my lifetime but now its time for me to have fun with my grandchildren and those who can't hand lay their track, should they not have a layout? Do you show others how you have done it?

Use your skills to help others. Help others not as fortunate as yourself. In the past I helped several modelers build a layout the way they wanted to do it. Show them how you do it. Never criticize, if wrong show them how you would do it.
There are too many in this hobby that think they are the experts, very few are.

Your pictures are very impressive the track work is very good. Remember its a hobby not a race.

Most of all have fun,

Dave
 
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