Tracks, what should I use

[Kyle]

I currently have Bachmann e-z track that I just set up when I want to run my trains. However, when I build my layout should I use the Bachmann track (I just have a simple oval) or something like flex-track?

["JaBear"]

Gidday Kyle, I use Peco Code 100 Nickel Silver Flex track mainly because it's been historically available here "Down Under"

BUT going on your first  post regarding about "Fold down layouts", you mention moving because your Dads in the military. Now while I don't know which of the good advise you're tending towards, I would suspect that whatever you build will be Small, Simple and Robust so perhaps EZ track might be your best bet at this stage especially as you already have some.

Which brings me to my second point, Budget. Now I think I would be pretty safe in saying  that very few of us on this forum have unlimited model railroading funds, but making the assumption that you're a young chap obtaining  funds maybe harder. What I'd suggest that you work out your track plan and what track and turnouts you require too make it happen, then shop around.

By the way when I said "Simple", I am NOT suggesting that your layout would be stupid.

Here's some links to similar queries............

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/219910/2429997.aspx#2429997

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/p/219848/2428661.aspx#2428661

Most importantly Have Fun. 

Cheers, the Bear.

[richhotrain]

Kyle

I currently have Bachmann e-z track that I just set up when I want to run my trains. However, when I build my layout should I use the Bachmann track (I just have a simple oval) or something like flex-track?

Use something like flex track, it allows a lot more creativity in the design.

Rich

[zstripe]

Kyle,

No offense to my friend Rich,,I would go with,JaBear's suggestion,going by your other post's..

Cheer's,

Frank

[richhotrain]

zstripe

Kyle,

No offense to my friend Rich,,I would go with,JaBear's suggestion,going by your other post's..

Cheer's,

Frank

[mobilman44]

Me thinks the answer to the OP's query needs to be based on his situation.   Influences to the answer would be "how much money is available for trackage", "what is the OP's skill level when it comes to track laying", and of course, "what is readily available to him".

 

With those answers, one can make a more appropriate response - be it to suggest Peco or Walthers or Atlas or Bachmann or even hand laid.......................

As I have found out way too often, "one size fits all" is not the right answer to most any question.

 

[zstripe]

Mobilman44,

Metinks,,your'e right.......

Cheers, 

Frank

[richhotrain]

While what mobilman and Frankie have to say may be true, it is interesting to note that the OP is already conscious of, and apparently considering, flex track for his next layout.  That is a step in the right direction because flex track has a lot of advantages over sectional track, EZ track, and the like.

Rich

[zstripe]

YAAA,,,BUT,,,Weeez,talking,about now..

Cheers,

Cheers,

Frank

[richhotrain]

zstripe

YAAA,,,BUT,,,Weeez,talking,about now..

YAAA,,,BUT, he is talking about later, "when I build my layout ".  

Rich

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Don't mind me. I'll just be here in the corner eating my pizza. I'm a long time EZ-Track user. It's all that's on my layout. My advice is don't go into something that you're not comfortable with. For now stick with what you know.

[dstarr]

Ahh yes, the sectional track vs flex track thing.   The important thing to know, is excellent running can be had with either type of track.  And you can mix sectional track and flex track, no problem.   Economics are important,  if you have one type of track on hand, then obviously you can save money by using it, as opposed to buying new.

   Advantages to sectional track.  Fixed curve radius.  The curved tracks are rigid and molded to an 18 inch (mostly) curve.  If you lay it without kinks at the joints, you will obtain an 18 inch curve every time.  This is important, because HO trains will derail if the curve radius is less than 18 inches.  Sectional track will lay down flat and you don't have to nail it down to run trains.  This is useful if your track plan is subject to replanning, and you might want to re do it from time to time.   

Down side to sectional track, it comes in 9 inch lengths, so you have a track joint every 9 inches.  Track joints do not reliably conduct electricity and can cause derailments.

Advantages to flex track.  It comes in 3 foot lengths, which greatly reduces the number of track joints compared to sectional track.   It's probably cheaper when bought new. 

 Down side to flex track.  It's springy and tries to spring itself straight after you curve it.  You pretty much have to nail it down to run trains.  This makes changing the track plan harder.  To get the curves to come out right you have to lay them out with a compass, full scale, on the  benchwork.  It is fairly easy, when attempting to avoid obstacles, like the edge of the benchwork, a lally column, or the water heater, to force a curve sharper than it ought to be, with the resulting derailments. 

  Good luck.

[BATMAN]

When I was young even though my track was always spiked down in place, the fact I was young meant I was always wanting to change things even if it meant pulling up nails. If you think you might want to change things around a little more often than you would with a "long time"permanent layout I would use sectional track as it is a little more robust than flex. I go in with the attitude that flex is a one time use track even though I am usually able to salvage it when changes are made.

Good luck.

[Kyle]

Several of you mentioned mixing te e-z track, and flex track, how would you easily do that, since the e-z track has the plastic ballast with the tabs sticking out of the ends.