Hello to all , I had to sell off all of my N scale about 15 years ago because extra money was needed for the kids . Now that they are older and don’t cost as much I am ready to get back into the hobby . One of my questions is , of all of the roadbed track that is on the market , I don’t know which one to go with . Can you guys please explain the pro’s and con’s of Atlas True Track , Kato Unitrack and Bachmann E-Z Track . I am currently in an aprtment so I will be starting out with a small layout probably in the 3’x5’ to 4’x6’ range that can be rolled under the bed, and then expanding a couple of years down the road when we will have more room.
Ez track is ok, the turnouts leave something to be desired. Unitrack is quite popular in N scale and is probably the best bang for your buck. Atlas Trutrack, looks promising I want to buy some and try it out.
Don,Since I have used Kato’s Unitrack I will recommend it…I found it to be bullet proof and the switches(turnouts) work quite well except there is a rather loud click when you throw the turnout but,it does assure you the turnout did indeed throw…I made a switching layout on my dining room table (I’m a bachelor) and the track worked flawlessly even though it was not glued down.
The turnout controls snaps security on the side of Kato’s power pack and then into each other forming a line of turnout controls and this system seems to work quite well.I had seven attached to my power pack and had no issues.
My Onandaga Sub. is done with ATLAS Truetrack.It’s good track but has growing pains (it’s rather limited but ATLAS is working on more pieces).KATO Uni-Trak is a bit pricey but IMHO will give you the bang for your buck.Plus it is about as bullet proof as you can get.
One more thing about the ATLAS track is that it is code 65 and there is no other track in that code.
I’ve used Kato N scale track several times in the past and loved it. I’m presently using Kato HO track and it’s also very good. The great thing about Kato is the huge variety of pieces available compared to the limitations with Atlas.
A lot of information on the types of track with built in roadbed.
Have you considered using flex track? The biggest thing against sectional track I have heard, whether with or without roadbed, is the lack of flexability. You are limited to the radius curves offered by the manufacturer of the brand you buy. Also the various brands are not easily compatable. It does take a little cutting and fitting with flex track, but it is considerably less expensive. You do have to purchase roadbed seperatly. Some folks don’t use roadbed under yards and sidings.
For a quick starter layout, or just the ease of being able to set up a loop and a small yard for the day, I would recommend Unitrack, it is a wonderful product with great support from Kato.