Ok, got my rolling stock, got my engines…need track…Bachmann E-Z track is what I’m using.
I need lots of track, with a 35.50" radius which is what Bachmann provides, and Plenty of straight track, I have $150, can someone help me out with my decision? I’m into mainline action, 2 track mainline. and I have plenty of room to work with, so what would you get?
A plan. Without it you will waste your money learning that you need a plan.
I suggest starting my beginner’s guide clickable from my signature.
To second Chip, first a track plan.
Then, EZ track is an expensive way to get much track. Flea markets can save a lot of money. If you are willing to deal with brass code 100, you can get a whole layout, turnouts and all for $50.00. That would allow some money for roadbed and a good soldering iron, and a track cleaning eraser.
Ooh, watch it! Beware of brass track ‘bargains’ at flea markets. Somebody pulled it up because of something, and it may have been the need to clean it a lot. Nickel-silver is much less of a chore to keep in useable condition. Since everything depends on reliable trackwork, I’d go for the N-S track… even if the cost is a bit more in the beginning, the labour later is less frustrating.
George
You are right George. Except…For the money you can get a LOT of track, if money is the issue. It takes A LOT more cleaning, but it worked for years. There is still a lot around on large old layouts and it works fine, especially if you run a lot of trains.
True, if you have the cash, go with Nickle silver, and the prelaids are nice, but costly. But to start out and have lots of track, the brass will work. Don’t have a lot of tunnels and don’t have track that is hard to reach.
I’ve recently changed my mind on brass track. Although I am still building with Nickel-Silver, I am operating on a layout that has brass track. The layout has been operated every Wednesday night for 29 years now and the owner rarely does anything to it. It was featured in the 2006 Model Railroad Planning.
Dont you mean 18" radius?
David B
I am using brass sectional track with a little n/s flex track mixed in. It works fine for me. I think part of the reason is that I am using DC control. The only time I’ve had to clean it is after doing scenery work. If you don’t feel like slumming with brass track, use atlas flex track as much as you can. You can cover more ground and have less connections.