there seems to be a couple of different track choice out there. Bachmann EZ track and Atlas seem to be the ones I read the most about.
Are they compatible (i.e. use on the same layout?). Is there a better track system I should be looking at?
is there a better system if I’m considering DCC? I’m getting feedback that you need to run extra power connections to a DCC layout, is that true?
For DCC, use flex or hand lay to get longer rail lengths, as it is best to solder feeder wires to every piece of rail.
Atlas and Bachmann track can be used on the same layout, some minor modifications may be required to the plastic roadbed.
You must shim the atlas track to the same height of road bed of the bachmann track. There is one other brand of prefab track and road bed than these two and it is Kato. All should work well with DCC.
“Need to” or advisable ? Nigel’s advice is good.
DCC ‘signals’ are picked up from the track. Joints can be a source of problems. In the immortal words of Mies VanderRoh “less is more”.
You can run DCC on sectional (piece) track and let the joints carry the voltage, but one with feed wires connected to each piece of track will still be running years later. if your a ‘Newbie’, that may or may not be important - especially if this is your first layout.
Does that help?
For HO at least, there are three(3) types of “prefab” track (or track installed on roadbed) that I’ve found;
Bachmann eztrack
Atlas True Track
Kato Unitrack
All have certain exclusive features, but all require a “little modification” to work together on the same layout. Atlas and Bachmann are definitely the most difficult to integrate together; different locking mechanisms, different heights. Atlas and Kato would appear to be more compatible, different heights the one difference for certain.
The main sales pitch for the Atlas True Track product is you can remove the roadbed and use the rail as standard Code 83 product at a latter date. The main pitches for the Kato is more curve radii and play-n-play switches.
All of these prefab systems offer quick and easy assembly but definitely limit, to a degree, flexiblity in designing a layout. Before settling on one of these I’d think through what your plans/goals are for your layout and investigate all of the options including laying your own ties and rails if you really want a challenge and take pride in building things from the ground up.
George