I will be starting my layout in july. This will be my first layout. I was woundering what is better to use kato unitrack or atlas flextrack.And what is the prices.(possibly in canadian dollers). thanx. ------------------ yo,yo,yo,yo. yoyo10 is in da house!
If this is your first layout, use atlas flextrack. It's affordable enough to re-work, and laying flextrack is a valuable learning experience not to be missed. Kato track is good, but expensive, and you will not be able to use all the track plans you will dream up. ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
I also think u learn more by using the atlas flex track. Not only that, but in my opion the flex track looks alot better aftre u have added your own ballast, as the Kato stuff can look kinda fake. Although, after saying that-it looks alot better than the Bachmann stuff. I have used some Eurpoean snap track at a Digitrax display table that looked great, and was cheap too! When I remember what comapny it was from I will be guick to post it! Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. BCRailKing@Canada.com
Like others, I recommend the Atlas flex track. The hobby store I go to in Milton sells track for $3.50 Canadian a piece but for $2.50 a piece if you buy ten or more pieces. It is always a good idea to ask if you get a quantity discount. Ten sections isn't too much to get for most any layout and that with a box of cork trackbed for about $22.00 Canadian will provide a good start ------------------ Robin [http://members.xoom.com/Matthyro/index.html]
We have had a similar thread to this one before on the this site. I have yet to start construction on my real layout. After looking at the various track options and talking with you all, I decided that I will use Peco CODE 55 flex. Are you all reccomending Atlas flex based on cost? Also, I have read that Atlas flex track tends to have "memory" and likes to try to revert back to it's original shape. Is this true? You all are starting to make me think about track again . I like that Kato track based on ease of use and quality. But to make it look good requires alot of work. I have seen a few layouts that have used Kato's Unitrack that look good. I have never based a layout on flex track before. Why are some track plans not possible with sectional track such as Atals snap track or Kato Unitrack? My former HO layout was 98% Atlas snap track and a few mainline runs using flex (no curves). My current plans was to use Woodland Scenics roadbed with Peco CODE 55 flex. I have never laid an entire layout with flex. I have also never trimed flex track (been looking at the various track snippers for this). Is Atlas easier to use the Peco? Thanks and sorry for the million questions. I still have not even started my benchwork yet so maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself Matt
I'm in the process of building a layout. I'm using Atlas flextrack and Peco switches. I think that I would stay away from a layout based on snap track. Not because it is bad, but because flextrack gives you so much more...flexability. I've posted this before, but I got the address messed up and it may not have been working. The site has been updated also, so you can see a series of pictures of the construction. Let's see if it will work this time.... http://canyonmtngineers.homestead.com/CanMtNgineers.html ------------------ Rett [This message has been edited by upguy (edited 26 June 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by upguy: Let's see if it will work this time.... http://canyonmtngineers.homestead.com/CanMtNgineers.html <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> it worked, but too many images on the one page... I would be an old man before it opened up! ------------------ RR: K, C, & Bird Butt Railroad - SP, NS, and ROCK admirer. Its a coal mining region of a place far far away, that runs, SP, NS, and some CSX.. Also some Custom RARE Bird RR sd40-2's coming! Era: Time stands still round these parts, and we have everything from Steam, to Diesels of today.
The page opened up for me in about 5 seconds due to I have a cable based internet. ------------------ yo,yo,yo,yo. yoyo10 is in da house! [This message has been edited by yoyo10_ca (edited 26 June 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by yoyo10_ca: The page opened up for me in about 5 seconds due to I have a cable based internet. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Well, isn't that special Just kidding, I had a cable modem in Charlotte, NC. Here in Minnesota there are still alot of cable upgrades to be done. Cable modems do rock though. What does this have to do with trains you may ask?......for host train web sites from home of course!!!
OK, I'll admit I'm using peco code55 for my new module, and will slowly replace all my atlas code80 on the other modules. Now, Atlas flex is just fine, and I have used it exclusivly till now, but since I have to rework a module, I decided to try a code55 rail for a change. I'm looking for a more scale appearance. As far as believing flextrack offers more flexibility than Kato sectional track, that is really only based off of the available turn radius options. My first layouts used snap track, but I feel I had more derailments with it. (But I did like the clickity clack it gave) As far as tools...I have only used a dremel and cut-off discs so far, but I just bought those Xuron rail nippers, and have yet to try them. I always check the rail spacing with the NMRA gauge before, and after gluing the track, and have always soldered joints in the past, but am re-thinking that one now. My track expands and contracts too much, so I will experiment with expansion joints on the new module (with stranded jumper wires soldered across the joints). Fun huh? ... cable modem here too ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
Robert, What caused the derailments while using sectional track. What do you believe was the dirrerence between the flex track and sectional track? Instead of using stranded wire between the rail joints couldnt you just solder some feeders to more rail sections? What if you do not solder any joints, is there a problem that this causes? If the track is glued to the roadbed I would think that soldering would not be a problem. Then one could use regualer rail joiners. Again, you the edge on me from experience. Any wisdon you can share is appreciated. Matt
My derailments were caused by "Plate Shifting". As the rail expanded and contracted, (my layouts have always ended up in a garage) one rail would sit a little higher than than the one it was joined to. When wheels hit this elevation change, the trucks wiggle, and once every 10 to 20 passes, there would be a derailment. Now I tried filing the joints flat, then later soldering which worked for a while, but eventualy their would be problems. I decided to use flex to minimize the quanity of joints. This helps alot. I have always tried for flawless operation, but instead of nervana, I get the same thing as all of you... typical performance. Maybe the Kato track is the way to go, but I'll give the peco 55 a chance before going to sectional track again.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pray59: OK, I'll admit I'm using peco code55 for my new module, and will slowly replace all my atlas code80 on the other module. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I'm not exactly sure, but I was told NOT to use any thing less than code 80 on my module because some steam locomotives can't handle it. Might want to look into that. ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing AND N scale detail parts!!!
I too have heard bad things about code 55. It can cause problems with locos, but alot of cars. Also, if you have anything bigger than a SD7, or E9 on the track, the rail looks funny as most trains today have 100 pound plus rail. That is why I am usin code 80. Saves me money, looks better for what I am doing. I also have discovered a new world, hand laying. It is not as bad as I thought it would be, almost fun! Note the use of the word almost. Godd thing there were good songs on the radio Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. BCRailKing@Canada.com
I beg to differ on the subject of code 55. I think it increases realism dramatically. I think good track work is mandatory no matter what code your using!
And around and around we go This is a tough subject for those of us with little or no experience in the track world. This issue seemed alot less complicated in my HO days 13 years ago. One advantage I see for myself in the possoible use of snap track is curves with a set radius. I could see myself messing this up with flex. I will continue to explore the possibilities.
To set the record straight on use of code 55 on modules. I have been in direct contact with N-Trak due to a disagreement I had with a gentleman this last January during our yearly "FunRun". I had put code 55 Peco track on a curved module and super elevated it to less than 2 degrees. This caused a little hassel with me and this guy from a visiting club so I asked the ones who would know, N-Trak. Here's what they said: "Use of code 55 PECO track is fine and to current standards, however, code 55 MICRO ENGINEERING track is not to be used. The spike heads hit the flanges of some older equipment. Super elevating curves is in testing and should be used with the minimal degree as possible." That's straight from the horses mouth... ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234 [This message has been edited by Maxwell Plant (edited 29 June 2000).]
I would not DREAM of using anything but Peco code 55, it is far more realistic than the code 80 my friend uses and it has faultless running when well-laid. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 29 June 2000).]
