Is Snap Track good for DCC

[mike1352]

I have both regular track and snap or easy track. Which would be better for DCC? I know most don't approve of easy track, but DCC is harder to deal with at the moment. Thank You. mike1352

[Wazzzy]

'regular track', i'll assume this is flex track.

flex or snap track will work with DCC. you will have more track joints to deal with using snap track and thus a greater chance of loss of power to the rails. additional feeder wires will solve that problem.

make sure your switches are DCC ready prior to installing them. don't ask how i learned this lesson......

[dehusman]

I think you are referring to "regular" track as being sectional track and "snap" or "easy" track as being the stuff with the cast ballast section.  Snap Track is a brand name for sectional track. Easy track is a brand name for its  type of track. Actually they are the same thing electrically, the "Easy" tracks are just sectional track that fits in a cast plastic ballast section.

The real answer is neither is very good for DCC.  On the other hand, neither is very good for conventional DC either.  The failure is in the electrical connections between the sections, which are purely friction/contact.  As you assemble and disassemble the track over and over the connections fit less and less tight. One loose or bad connection between two sections pretty much brings everything to a halt (DC or DCC).  The only advantage to easy track is that it won't come physically apart like sectional track does. 

If you HAVE to use one of the two, Easy track has better mechnical capabilities of staying together.

Flex track (or handlaid) with soldered feeders is the highest electrical reliability.

[AntonioFP45]

 

mike1352

I have both regular track and snap or easy track. Which would be better for DCC? I know most don't approve of easy track, but DCC is harder to deal with at the moment. Thank You. mike1352

Mike,

I'm currently building an HO layout with Code 83 rail. Turnouts will be Peco Code 83. I'm using a combination of the 3 foot long flex track sections and for the 22 radius curves I'm using Atlas Code 83 sectional track.  Personally, I don't like the tracks that come on the plastic ballasts pieces (like the ones offered by Bachmann and Kato).

To help combat the problem of jointed rail sections losing electrical contact with each other over time, I plan on soldering jumper wires from one rail to the other approximately 1/2" from each joint.  

Check out this vid. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HFoER_5UBk&feature=PlayList&p=742895E088C8A2F4

The modeler here is soldering a rail joint.  I like his technique and plan on using it for soldering jumper wires.

Hope this helps.