I have a Bachman HO oval set with no switches that I want to expand to a 4X8 layout. I will need to buy extra track and switches, but do not know what code number track I have and what to use. Should the track and switches all be the same code? Which brand name can I use that is not too costly? Thanks for any info. Ironhorse[swg]
All good name brand track will have the track code marked on the underside of the cross ties. As for the bachmen factory track I have never used it myself and can not help. I’ll leave that to others here to help.
As long as you have track with ties only, no molded on roadbed, all the brands should compatable. Atlas is probably the most reasonably priced track and switches. Peco is a little more expensive, but mamy folks swear by their turnouts. Model Power has inexpensive flex track, but I understand it is somewhat stiffer than the Atlas. I would recommend flex track, as it makes it so you are not limited to a fixed radius.
If you have E-Z track with molded on roadbed, you will have to check your LHS or Bachman’s web site to see just what is available both radius and straight section length.
You can connect the two, but it takes modification of the end of the molded track and a little shimming to get things the correct height.
Good luck,
Richard
I think Bachmann may sell a transition track to go from their roadbed track to track without roadbed.
If you like the Bachmann track, you’ll have to stick with that brand as each of the molded on roadbed track has a proprietary method of connection, so you have to stick with one brand.
Roadbed track is going to be more expensive than track without roadbed.
Eric
My current layout started out in 1983. 3 decks, 29ft by 33ft, and I have a mix of handlaid (wood ties glued down, rails spiked in place) and ME, Micro Engineering. This is a flex track and I believe after having been in the hobby sinc 1958 that it is the best of the 3’ flexes. I do stay away from Atlas, too prone to get wavy over time, at least in my experience.
Bob
EZ track is code 100. I have some and it works pretty well. You can use different codes of rail. Atlas makes code 100 to 83 rail joiner and Walthers makes code 100 to 83 and 83 to 70 transition track. Happy Modeling.
The Lone Geep