Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
That's what I get for NOT reading the OP's post. I know a few N-scalers that swear by Atlas code 55 flex track, but as for the "best" track, you'll get quite a few differing opinions. In many ways, it's like asking, "Who makes the best ketchup?"
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
hylik Hi, the usual introduction : complete newbie here.... :) I've started to draft some design of my layout i some question came to me What is the best type of track for a N scale layout? Flex? or Ez-Track (batchmann)? Also what is the best turn ration for curves at this scale?
Hi,
the usual introduction : complete newbie here.... :) I've started to draft some design of my layout i some question came to me
What is the best type of track for a N scale layout? Flex? or Ez-Track (batchmann)?
Also what is the best turn ration for curves at this scale?
As a newbie my recommendation would be some form of set track it gets trains running fast.
It big advantage of constant geometry and set pieces does have some advantages
My preferred brand has always been Peco both in N and HO. I will have to leave it to the US residents to suggest a GOOD USA brand set track
I have never been a fan of any track that has a molded ballast profile not even when its a good brand like Fleischman (spelling) or Kato.
If you must use ez track make sure it is the grey based stuff with nickel silver rails not the steel railed black rubbish.
The minimum radius for"N" scale curves is 9" however this is best left alone unless you are really pressed for space or it is a tightly packed industrial area.
On the other side is flex track this has the advantage of well its flexible and longer pieces so less joints.
It is however harder to use as it has to be shaped and cut to size a lot of seasoned modelers swear by flex track of one brand or another.
A lot of us started with set track as thats what comes in a train set box which then turned in to more extensive set track layouts
Then as skills and knowledge grew moved to flex track or a combination of set and flex track.
Your best bet is to choose a track brand that does both flex and set track with the same rail size
regards John
I have been using Kato Unitrack fo my N scale mini-modular layout (now sold) and I was quite happy with it. The turnouts require a little tinkering now and then, but overall they are OK. With a little effort, like paint the rails and adding ballast, the track can be much improved in tems of look.
My layout is HO and except for some notable exceptions, I used Atlas code 83 flex track. The exceptions are:
I use Atlas flex and sectional on my (2007) N-Scale layout as I had a lot leftover from when I first thought about a layout in 1979. It is best forgotten.
For track with the roadbed attached, the Kato Uni-Track is far better to put together and take apart and has a much larger selection then the Bachmann Ez-Track. It does cost more though.
Though there are some really nice layouts using the Ez-Track. But it does take some tweaking if you know what to do. The Kato track is pretty much bullet proof and newbie proof as well.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.