SpaceMouse wrote:The switch machine can only be accessed from the bottom of the turnout. When they fail, and they do, the turnout, the three pieces of track connecting to it, and all the surrounding scenery has to come up. I ended up ripping mine out.
I ended up ripping mine out.
I wasn't even aware that the EZTrack allowed the switch machine to be removed and replaced. I was under the impression that the turnout had to be replaced, so I suppose that is good news. Still ripping out the turnout and related trackage, scenery, etc. to replace the machine is not what I would want to have to look forward too.
Chip, I thought you were one of the guys who had abandoned EZTrack, but I wasn't sure.
Honestly, the more I hear about the plastic roadbed track the more justified I feel in my decision not to use it. Just my though...individual results may vary.
Downsides:
The turnouts need an average of 45 minutes with a file to make them open and close reliably.
The roadbed puts them way too high for any structures--passenger stations/ industries, etc. I raised the whole layout 1/4" above the track to get it to line up. Ant that brought about the next real problem.
The switch machine can only be accessed from the bottom of the turnout. When they fail, and they do, the turnout, the three pieces of track connecting to it, and all the surrounding scenery has to come up.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
jbone wrote:Thanks guys. Kinda what I thought. I won the train set then had the opportunity to buy some switches and extra track. I'm going to build the 4X8 for the kids and see if it develops into a passion from there. Then........ you guys will probably get really sick of me! Again, I appreciate it from everyone.
You came to the right place if you want input and advice. There are a lot of experienced guys here who are quite willing to help out. It's a good idea to try searching the forum a bit before you ask a question as lots of times there are already good discussions on the subject that you can read and then make informed inquiries if you need to. I can't imagine anybody getting sick of you...most are happy to help those new to the hobby. Nice to have you aboard!
As was mentioned the gray roadbed EZ-track is quality nickel silver rail. The black is steel and will need cleaning more often.
My son won a train set that contained EZ track, (black roadbed). I am going to throw the track on eBay and try to sell it.
Here are my issues with EZtrack etal.
You are limited by the pieces available.
I don't think it replaces ballasted track as far as looking like the real thing. I can't imagine it is as easy to ballast as conventional track.
It's expensive.
Remote turnouts have built in switch machines. If a machine fails, rip up the turnout and buy a new one to replace it. I have heard that this is a real concern...?
I spent some time reading threads about it and heard of more than one person who started with it and ended up ripping it all up and starting over with conventional track.
It's probably ok for a first layout. It all depends where you want to go with your model railroading. I have heard it suggested that if you are going to use a plastic roadbed type of track that the Kato brand is the way to go. I chose to build my sons first 4X8 with Atlas code 100 because it is affordable, durable, looks ok IMO and it's available in a vast array of sectional pieces and 3' flex sections. Also the fact that I had quite a bit on hand made it a logical choice once we decided not to use the EZTrack.
Regardless of what track you choose I'm sure the kids will love it!
disadvantages ...
1) limited track geometry selection . you're stuck with the radius they provide , the length of straight tracks , etc.
2) electrical continuity between sections isn't all it could be , layouts tend to develop dead spots as you get farther away from the feeder tracks . of course this is true with any type of track , it just seems easier to add feeders where needed when you can easily solder to the track because there's no plastic roadbed in the way
3) it's probably more expensive than other options
note that none of these are really horrible disadvantages , especially in a small layout .
ez-track's huge advantage is it's easy to take apart and put it back together in a different configuration to test different track plans , or if you don't have space for a permanent layout you can set it up on the dining room table and tear it down before dinner
i'd think carefully before buying a lot of it to build a large layout but i'm sure it's been done