hello again I was wondering what the best kind of track for my soon to be started layout now I have a bit of the lifelike powerloc track but was wondering if the reg atlas track is any better?? or would it be ok to just stick with what I got and go from there?? thanks for the help and opinions
steve
deliveryguywondering what the best kind of track for my soon to be started layout
Handlaid.
(Yes, I am kidding....)
lol
As far as track with a built on roadbed...KATO Unitrack is the best. Expensive but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Otherwise Atlas code 83 flex track is the popular choice.
IMHO, Atlas flex and handlaid specialwork is the only way to fly.
For those who flee screaming into the night at the mention of hand-laying a simple turnout, just enter turnouts in the search block and settle back for a long evening's reading on the pros and cons of the various commercial products that I don't use.
Sectional track, on roadbed or not, is good enough for a beginner layout, but has severe limitations:
All of the above make sectional track the choice of last resort for this more experienced modeler.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on Atlas flex and hand-laid specialwork)
I stopped using sectional track when the layout stopped being the rug. It has been flex track and handlaid track ever since, and I have no urge to return to my "rug" days.
Mark
I see it as buying a Chevy, Ford , or Dodge. I have really never had a problem with Atlas code 83 and some people hate it and I never tried Pecos or Walthers so I guess my comment is useless.
tomikawaTTSpiral easements into curves can't be formed with sectional track. The closest approach is two sections of progressively larger radius (ratio 1:1.5:3:tangent where 1 is the curve radius.)
And, for those of you saying you don't care about this, I guarantee that once you see a model railroad with sprial easements into the curves, you will never, ever see the straight-track-attached-to-a-curved-piece the same way again.
willy6 I see it as buying a Chevy, Ford , or Dodge. I have really never had a problem with Atlas code 83 and some people hate it and I never tried Pecos or Walthers so I guess my comment is useless.
No, actually, I'd say you are right on the money. There is no one right way to skin a cat; which track type is right for the individual modeller depends on his circumstances. Personally, I wouldn't dare try to hand-lay anything!
If the OP can post a little more information on what he's going to do, we can be a little more specific in our help. For example, while track with integral roadbed tends to take a lot of the risk out of track laying, it also limits your layout configuration choices.
And BTW Chuck, I superelevate sectional track with shims. It works just fine.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
deliveryguyI have a bit of the lifelike powerloc track but was wondering if the reg atlas track is any better?? or would it be ok to just stick with what I got and go from there??
thanks for all the info I will see what I can come up with
Depends on your definition of "Best"
Most reliable - code 100 flex track
Most realistic - code 83 or smaller
Most depedendabilty - nickel silver
Best turnout - Peco (in my opinuion)
ndbprrMost reliable - code 100 flex track
Wait, how is code 100 more "reliable" than code 83?
Code 100 will handle virtually engine or car since flanges will clear the base. That means you can run European sources if you wish. It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling. Its cheaper. Buy a piece of code 100 and code 83 and see if there is a difference when you lay it down.
ndbprr It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling.
You must be incredibly rough with your track for this to even be a considertaion.
I have used various sizes of HO flextrack for years and have never, ever damaged a piece via "handling."
Code 100 track is no more or less "reliable" than code 83, 70, or 55.
Midnight Railroaderndbprr It is more durable because it is thicker and not as finicky to rough handling. You must be incredibly rough with your track for this to even be a considertaion.
I'm leaning to use Atlas True-Track which comes in only 83. The reason is that it goes together rather fast. The track bed looks ok to me also. However I'd like to know if anyone on this list has used True-Track before and what do you think of it.
Thanks for your replies. Jack Reinemeyer