E-z Track

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m real new to Model Railroading and I purchaced a Bachman N Scale Set with the E-Z Track. I was wondering if it a Good Track to use or should I spend more money and get a different type of track. I’m on a limited budget so I would like to make a nice Layout for me and my Daughter. Without breaking the Bank. Any advice? Thanks

2

The EZ-Track turnouts (track switches) have proved unreliable for many over the long term. So if you plan to add turnouts, that is something to consider.

For click-together style track, KATO Unitrack has an excellent reputation, but is not cheap, unfortunately. To some degree, you get what you pay for – and track is an area of the layout where it may not be wise to scrimp.

Many modelers use flex track and turnouts without the built-in roadbed. This is less expensive than the click-together track, but does require a little practice and some soldering skills for best results.

Best of luck with your layout.

3

Get rid of it! The HO EZ-Track has it’s problems but most can be overcome. The N Scale EZ-Track is absolutely terrible and you better off with almost anything else. The Kato Uni-Track is supposed to be very good. Or you can use flex-track on cork roadbed.

4

Not familiar with N scale but the HO scale EZ track does have problems with turnouts but as previously said that can be overcome. Given its size I do not think that is possible in N scale.

5

I have used both types of the snap together track. Kato Uni-Track is the better choice, by far. You can find it online with some nice discounts, if you look a little. I use it for temporary set ups, such as around my office Christmas tree or on the dining room table when the mood strikes me. If I was to build a permanent layout, I would go with flex track and Peco turnouts.

6

Bachmann E-Z track is, to put it kindly, junk. Unfortunately if you want to be able to enjoy running the train with your daughter, you are going to have to invest in the KATO Unitrack. The owner at my favorite local hobby store refers to KATO products as the "Rolls Royce"of trains and I have to say, their track systems are the best I have ever used. I converted a few years ago to all KATO Unitrack and have never been happier.

7

Thanks to all.

8

I have found Bachmann EZ-track to be three things:

  1. Unreliable in the long run.

  2. Very limiting on the track plans that can be made.

  3. Expensive.

Having said that simple minded answer, I have to ask, “What do you mean by a “nice” layout?” If it is just going to be some loops of track with no turnouts and that is not going to be disassembled frequently (like a layout set up on the floor or a table top), then the reliability and limited track plans issues are greatly diminished. EZ-Track just might be a good solution for that limited application.

9

I have a 4x8 section of my Garage with a permanant table that I will be using. And it the expansion is limitless. Only by my wallet, which is limited right now. But I would like to make a part of a local train track, but I can’t find any old Pictures of my area. I know they exist, just can’t find them. So that’s my story.

My daughter loves trains as well, at age 6 we took her to Cumberland, MD and we rode a Steam train, and it was a Magical time. Now that she’s 8 I would love to relive that time over and over again.