Newbie Track Questions

[Anonymous]

I'm new to the Model RailRoad World (N Scale) but I want to start right. My question is which track is recommend for quality, best looking scale. There are so many to choose from Kato Unitrack, Atlas Code 55, 80, and Peco.

Thanks
Robb

[cwclark]

Most track is pretty much ok to use just as long as you match the codes up...the "code" means the "height" of the rail... So, if you use code 55 it means that it's .055 high...a lot of modelers will mix the coded rail using the higher or larger rail such as code 80 on mainline track and the code 55 for sidings and spurs...Even though I model in HO, I have found that most brands serve their purposes very well so long as the metal is made from nickel silver ...try to stay away from steel or brass rail even though now-a -days rail made from these materials are practically obsolete...chuck

[jkeaton]

One thing to consider is whether you want track with built-in roadbed, like Unitrack, or track that is just rails and ties, like Peco. Unitrack is fine for a quick set-up, and for trying out ideas for track arrangement, or for temporary layouts, but because it is all the same height and in limited sizes of curves and straights and turnouts, it limits your trackplanning to certain shapes, and makes it difficult to have the mainline tracks stand up clean and high and well-maintained, while the sidings are lower, not so well maintained, and perhaps even muddy without much ballast gravel. Try some of each, if you like, or find someone else who has an N-scale layout and look at what they've done with their track, to give you ideas.