Are the different brands compatible? I am buying some for a cousin for around the tree, and I am not sure wether tho buy Atlas, Bachmann, Kato or Lifelike and will this lock them into one brand. Ho scale by the way.
Let me tell you this. Life like power-loc is horrible. More locos stall on that than anything I’ve ever seen. Bachmann does not have very good electrical conductivity. I’ve never used atlas or kato, but I understand Kato is very good, and it looks very realistic. With the atlas I believe the track lifts out to provide traditional snap track.
I’ve never used sectional track, but from what I have seen in the advertisements by the different manufacturers, the different brands are not compatible with each other because they each have a different way of connecting together. Once you start with one brand, you can use only that brand, as near as I know.
All of the above brands have different ‘lockings’ systems. Here is some information:
Atlas - Their ‘True-Track’ system is code 83 N/S sectional track that pops out of the plastic roadbed. The rail is joined with normal rail joiners and the roadbed has their own locking system The have basically 18", 22", & 24" radius curves, various straight tracks, and ‘Snap Switch’ type turnouts with an 18" radius curve on the divirging let of the turnout.
Bachmann - Their ‘E-Z Track’ line has code 100 rail(either steel with black roadbed, or N/S rail with grey roadbed). The have an rather extensive line of turnouts, and various radius curves, as well as some crossings. The track is joined with normal rail joiners, and the roadbed has their own locking system. I have some of their ‘E-Z Track’ for my work bench…
Kato - Their ‘Unitrack’ line is code 83 N/S track that has a special locking system/electrical connection that is quite nice, and a they have a good selection of various types of track. The stuff is very high quality and is priced higher than the others.
Life-Like has ‘Power-Loc’ code 100 trackage(either steel rail with black roadbed, or N/S with grey roadbed). They have basic 18" radius curves, straights and ‘Snap Switch’ type of turnouts. They also sell a 3" ‘adapter’ track to mate up with normal code 100 track laid on cork roadbed. And again, they have a special locking system. This is the most limited of these systems.
The Bachmann ‘E-Z Track’ is available at lots of stores, and many times is discounted. The Kato ‘Unitrack’ is the high end and you will find it in better hobby shops - be prepared for ‘sticker shock’ unless you want to go on-line to purchase it The Atlas ‘Tru-Track’ line is usually found in hobby shops that cater to model railroading. What I do not like is that the turnouts are the sharper ‘Snap Switch’ variaty in ther line. The Life-L:ik
Before embarking on a permanent layout I used Atlas Trutrack. I would say that it would be perfect for your round the tree application. The roadbed locking mechanism is a little fragile and does require careful pulling apart to avoid breaking off the plastic tab. The sectional track itself is top notch nickel silver track.
Thank you to all who have taken time to reply. Since I don’t know what type of equipment he has, I will assume it’s low end and won’t operate on code 83. Therefore Bachmann with its code 100 will have to do. Thanks again.
actual, atlas and bachman truck is compatabil with little modification