I’m considering, with my wife’s approval of course, building a layout using EZ track, but I really want to avoid the oval trap. Having a hard time finding plans that break out of the 4x8 mold. I’m wondering if anyone can give me a weblink or reference that would spark some ideas. Thanks
How much room do you have to work with? There are many good books to look at, but which one I’d recommend to look at depends on the size you have available.
Here’s my suggestion. Forget the EZ track. It’s great for ovals on the floor, but you’ll be better off with flex track. I have an EZ track layout and the turnouts have been a PITA.
Hold on to the EZ track until after Christmas. There will be a lot of trains sets given as presents and people will pay way too much for track to expand. Use the money to buy other things for your layout.
If your space is 4x8 I’m afraid your options are limited. Here’s a link to the NMRA Gateway Division’s annual project railroads http://www.gatewaynmra.org/project.htm
Enjoy
Paul
If you’re looking for a 4x8, try Atlas’s plan books. A little crowded by today’s standards, but still servicable. Or try Ian Rice’s Small Smart & Practical Track Plans.
Nick Brodar
He’s not saying his space is limited to 4x8 he’s saying he doesn’t want a 4x8 oval. He is aware that a 4x8 table layout takes up 9x13 feet. A “U” shaped layout in the same space might have much more flexibility.
Then one of Iain Rice’s plan books would be the way to go.
Nick Brodar
Actually, I don’t have any EZ track yet, but I was thinking of using it because I don’t have to fool with corkbed, or any roadbed. It just seems like a nice laborsaving move, but the fact that you’re stuck with fixed radii and lengths is what prompted me to ask for plans that used it. Basically I rushed a bit in laying the track down on my current layout and, of course, I’m paying the price now. The EZ track seems to be somewhat more idiot proof. As far as cost goes, there are a couple of places I know of that sell the stuff used for pretty good prices. Except the turnouts, which leads to a follow up question…
What’s so bad about the turnouts?
I have 17 or them in my layout. I used my worst engine to work with them. I would say I have between 1-2 hours each in tuning them so that the engines don’t derail. That’s filing the points, rail tops, etc.
Two of the 17 had to be taken off the layout and rebuilt. Even now some stick and don’t throw all the way.
Here’s a good rule of thumb.
Take your time and plan.
The other problem with EZ track or any of the track with roadbed systems is that the track enters on parallel tracks is very large, which eats up your space quick. The reason you don’t see a lot of layout designs for EZ track is very few people in the USbuild anything other than a starter layout with it. If you have to use it look at a sectional track design, since all EZ track is is sectional track on a plastic base. Since Marklin track is roughly the same concept, if you have to use it look at European layout design books.
Dave H.
Cork is not hard to do. I like to lay it with liquid nails and hold it in place with thumbtacks while it dries. Using this method you could put the roadbed down on a 4x8 in just a couple hours. Go with the flextrack.
Cork is not hard to do. I like to lay it with liquid nails and hold it in place with thumbtacks while it dries. Using this method you could put the roadbed down on a 4x8 in just a couple hours. Go with the flextrack.
I agree with everyone else that flex track is the way to go. Fixed radius track especially with tight curves can cause problems running trains because the curves can’t be eased. Even if things run ok trains look funny jerking into an un-eased curve. Sectional track is prone to electrical connection problems as well because of so many joints. It’s great for popping up an oval under the Christmas tree or when you just want to run a train around because you have no layout but that’s about it. Don’t save time on track work. It’s not hard to do. Just take your time. No reason to rush it. Make it as perfect as you can. You will not regret it because your trains will run great. Any other way they won’t run great. Ask people here how to lay the track when you are ready and you will avoid problems installing it. Look into track from the different manufactures. And the different types offered. Insulated frogs my be fine with diesels but will probably stall some steam locomotives especially smaller ones and possibly smaller diesels.
Ian Rice has some very nice small track plans as several folks have mentioned. His plans will be at their best with smaller locomotives and shorter cars. Also keep in mind that sidings on curves or curves where coupling or uncoupling will take place may require manual coupling and uncoupling. This is not a problem in itself and many people prefer to do this rather than use magnets below the track. But on a number of Rice’s small layout designs there are curved sidings and spots where you would want to couple and uncouple a car that would be at best be a reach over scenery even if you can get to all sides of your table. If magnetic hands off coupling and uncoupling is desired its best if a magnet is centered on a straight section that is at least the length of the two longest cars run on the layout. Just consider this aspect when looking at a plan that is almost all curves or has curved sidings so you don’t build in frustrating features. I’m sure you can guess
Im surprised no one mentioned Kato track.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with using fixed radius track. There are numerous radii available. A problem can arise with double track on curves since you probably can’t get two curve radii the correct distance apart for your situation. Most of us use flex track because we can have whatever radii we want, have easements, and the 3 foot lengths mean fewer joints. With either one you have to use care in the installation to get smooth running track.
Enjoy
Paul
I quit using ez track. Too many derailments. I tried for the first time laying track. It is not done perfect in any way shape or form for my first try. I am simply amazed how few derailments I have since hand laying my own track. NO MORE EZ TRACK! You may find yourself dissapointed.
Do yourself a favor take the time for flex track. You’ll be glad you did.[;)]
When I built my current layout, I used flextrack. I didn’t like the fixed radius stuff, since I couldn’t have easements, and my trackplan called for much larger curves than I could find. If you use flextrack for curves, take 2 sections and solder the rails together. That way, when you make your bend, it won’t kink.