Model RR Newb, Starting my first layout

First off, Hello Everyone! This is a great forum! I am starting on a layout being built on a 36"x80" hollow core door i recently removed for a home renovation. Anyway, I have some "EZ-Track" that i don't really care for. It doesn't look realistic and it doesn't shape at all.
What is the best kind of track to start with. I would like to use ballast and something a little more "real" looking. I have seen some flextrac for sale and it looks better, but i wanted some opinions on the best/economical tracks to use for n scale layouts.

I'm new to all of this but eager to learn. I have been painting/building houses and buildings. However, in Corpus Christi, there are NO RR Hobby Shops... so im kinda limitd on what i can see in person before i buy.

Any constructive advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Trey

 

Welcome to TrainBoard!!! I really do have to agree with you that Bachmann EZ Track sucks. I use the Kato stuff for my layout and I love it! Like Boxcab said, if you want to lay cork and go the whole 9, you really can't beat Atlas flex track. I know we are not supposed to mention retailers, but on that site that rhymes with eBay you can get a 10 count box of 30" flex track for $38 plus shipping. I'm sure that $38 for 25 feet of track is one of the better deals you will find.

 

I'll be the third to suggest Unitrack. I used it on my last layout and will use it on the next.

If you want to go with flex track, Atlas code 80 is easy to work with. I would stay away from Atlas switches and use Peco instead.

Peco code 55 is a good looking track that is good quality. They make flex and switches in code 55. It's really code 80, but the rail is embedded in the ties so it looks smaller but will run anything that will run on code 80.

 

I lived in the Corpus area for a year plus, and I can relate to your lack of a hobby shop. Most frustrating place to find toys.........."Wig-Wag" & "Fifer Hobbies" (both TB retailers, are a good place)
As to track selection, I would save yourself a lot of frustration & $$$, and go straight to "UNITRACK". For ease of operation, quality, and "plug & play"....it cannot be beat!!

 

I'd also recommend Unitrack but if you really want the best looking stuff on the market, i'd recommend Atlas code 55. They have flextrack, #5, 7, 10, 2.5 wye, 3.5 wye, and curved turnouts, 15, 30, 40, and 90 degree crossings, and plenty of sectional track.

 

Sounds like you really DONT want to use unitrack. Its basically the same as "EZ-Track"...sectional. I would go with the Atlas flextrack. If you are planning on using 'older' locomotives (lots of em out there) I would go with C80. Pizza cutter flanges wont have in issue on C80. If you are going to be running the 'newer' locomotives...go with the C55. I havent had any issues with atlas C80 turnouts. Some of the other manufactures C55 is a bear to bend and curve. Atlas is a LOT easier. I dont HATE unitrack...I just think there is more U.S. prototypical looking track out there...as far as tie size and spacing. Just My Opinion of course. Whatever you decide...just remember...its only a HOBBY...have fun
:tb-cool:

.

 

Best quote on here!! I can think of a few threads where this should have been said :tb-err:

 

Welcome aboard Trey, Yes most important is Fun:tb-wink:
As far as track all are good besides EZ track. The next easiest is Kato Unitrack, but Atlas will look closest to the real thing but takes some added time and effort and probably some additional money as well.
The HCD group is a great place to start as Boxcab50 stated.
No rush rushing cost you $$$$.

Njoy and we all look forward to your progress:thumbs_up::tb-cool:

 

I use Peco code 55 and Peco code 55 electrofrog switches. The switches are the best in my book because they have a latching throw either way. No creeping out of position. The Peco code 55 will run any train for the reason stated above. its a bit pricey but basically foolproof. And they do have flex track. And WELCOME ABOARD!!

 

How.... Difficult is the atlas flextrac c80 to bend into place, and level for a innovative but still inexperienced railroader?

Also, what is the radius I can expect to get out of the atlas c80?

Thanks, Trey

 

Trey...Atlas C80 is the easiest to curve. I liken it to taking a cheap flimsy wooden yard stick...standing it on its edge...and bending every which way...lol. Draw your curves on your layout material...lay some trackbed (cork or foam) using your lines as the centerline...following a nice smooth curve(s). It really is quite simple. There are as many methods of attaching roadbed and flextrack as there modelers. You will like the fact that there are fewer connection points then with ANY sectional track. Less connections points...less lose of electical conductivity due to a 'break'. If you have a LHS...go in and grab a stick of flex and check it out .

As far as tight radii...u can bend C80 pretty tight...BUT...You DO want the largest radii your layout will afford. Take a 36x80 HCD for instance. With 36 inch width...leaving about 2 inches on each outside edge for a safety buffer zone (in case of derailments) that leaves 32 inces to the outter edges of the trackbed. With a single line main on a return curve at the end (half circle)..you can expect track with roughly 30 inch diameter...or a radius (half that circle) of about 15 inch. Depending on the length of the cars and number of axles and length of you locomotives...15 inch radii is acceptable...larger is preferable. Let us know what locos and cars you plan to run and we can get down to better measurments ;-)

.