I am getting ready to build my new layout but have one decision. should I use Kato Unitrack or should I go with Atlas track or Bachmann E-Z track. I know the Unitrack is very expensive but it looks very nice. is it worth the investment ? if Unitrack is not a good choice, is E-Z track a good one ? I only want to use Atlas track as a last resort. any help would be appriciated
Alex in the sooner state
Alex;
You could try laying individual ties by hand, and spiking down the pieces of rail…
I am quite pleased with my E-Z track, except for the remote switches. I prefer PECO switches. You could use EZ track with PECO switches, by mounting the PECO pieces on roadbed.
I use Kato track, I think its the best thing since sliced bread, I’ve heard complaints about the ez track turn outs not being to good. You also get a far better selection of track (curves, straights, connectors, bridges, etc) from Kato Unitrack, I think in the long run you would be better off spending the extra money on Kato Unitrack.
This is N-scale? Or is there no HO Unitrack?
I just layed down an N-scale Unitrack layout and now working on the benchwork to support it. It does looks nice, but I’ve been rethinking that if I did it over I would go to Atlas (like my HO scale that I took down), probably code-55. I do have HO EZ-Track that I tried out but did not buy much of it as I had Atlas track from many years ago.
Unless you’re keeping your layout simple, you will need to buy the Track Assortment set #20-091 (I’ve got 2) to make things fit at times. Many of my little loops and not quite round curves fit with the help of the short pieces.
Unitrack is expensive. After I had bought lots of it I overheard the RR department manager of the local store get on the phone and order a boat. [:)]
I should measure the trackage I’ve layed down one of these days.
Glen
I am leaning more and more in the direction Unitrack. the reason I do not want to use Atlas track is because I’m 12 years old, a beginner , and I am sort of clumsy. However since I’m 12 my income is very, very low. I might only be able to have a loop and one siding during the first phase of construction. does anyone know where I can get a trackplanning template for Unitrack. I am in HO scale
Alex in the sooner state
Ah, Unitrack would be a good choice. You can pick it up, move it, and set it up elsewhere without much trouble. The built in roadbed makes it easy to put on carpet without worrying about the engines and cars picking up debris.
EZ Track worked just as well when I did HO; I even set it up at work one year under the xmas tree (hey, I got paid to set up a train, even if it was a simple loop). It may be cheaper than Unitrack.
Glen
hello this is larry
i started with unitrack yrs ago in the beginning just a small loop you know and now look what happened to me
2x6 loop x twelve yrs = 25x16 layout with double tracked mainline 8 track double ended yard a dozen online industrys a loco shop to service all 25+ kato units plus a car shop to handle the 120+ cars and more acomin!! future expansion is being planned at this time
so if you start with unitrack although expensive the extra money is worth it in the long run you wont be sorry as it is easy to work with simply plug it in an start runnin!!!
Regards
Larry
but how do I plan the layout as the unitrack deminsions are different from that of regular HO scale track. here id the layout I am building. a 2x14 shelf layout that the depicts a branch line stub terminal. 4ft of the layout will be used for staging. it will include a engine terrminal, team track, depot, freight house, grain elevator,fuel depot and cattle pen. I have not decided the exact track plan yet.
Alex in the sooner state
My N scale Kato unitrack is excellent, simple to put together and looks great. I even added some weathering and oil stains in the middle of the rails. It is more money but well worth it.
Brent