building a layout with Bachmann E-Z track

[armyvet63]

I would like to see some layout plans for a 4'x 8'  using Bachmann ez track please

[cuyama]

Many folks have experienced reliability issues with Bachmann EZ Track turnouts (track switches) over the medium and long term, so it may not be the best choice for a permanent layout. KATO Unitrack is much more reliable for click-style track, but is significantly more expensive.

If you already have the EZ Track on hand and are committed to using it, you may find some ideas in this book
Bachmann Trains E-Z Model Railroads Track Planning Book
... although it has not been highly reviewed. 

For HO, a 4X8 sheet of plywood limits the maximum radius of the curves and some folks find that limiting in the long term. If you have the room, a 5X9 or 5X10 offers broader curves that support a wider variety of equipment. For N scale, 4X8 works fine.

Best of luck with your layout.

[selector]

If you would like my input, I built my first layout using EZ-Track.  It worked well.  It worked because I took the time to ensure there were NO kinks between connected sections.  There can be no great vertical kinks, particularly on curves and where the next item is a turnout, and there should be no kinks along curves that will force the rolling stock to deviate sharply, thus prompting a possible derailment.

As Byron has cautioned, and as Jeff Wimberley will undoubtedly admit, the EZ-Track turnouts have not generally been completely trouble-free.  Often, for example, their points rails need to be filed to a sharper point or wheel flanges will pick them and you'll get consistent derailments.   Filing those points takes some know-how so as not to cause even more problems.

-Crandell

[dknelson]

One local (Milwaukee area) modeler uses the Kato N Unitrack and every couple of years he totally redoes his layout using the same benchwork but creating an entirely new trackplan. The trains run extremely well and the Unitrack is obviously exceptionally reliable, and durable given how many times he has changed his layout.  Yes he loses a little something in visual appearance but for him the tradeoffs are worth it.

I have no personal experience with the Bachmann product but I do wonder about its durability if it is set up and taken down as often as this guy does with Kato's. 

Dave Nelson

[wojosa31]

I have used Bachmann Easy track in the past - primarily the wider radius curve sections - which interfaced surprisingly well with conventional Atlas code 100 flex on cork road bed. I also had a working layout using KATO  HO Unitrack exclusively. Now I'm back to Cork roadbed and Code 83 + Code 70 from all major suppliers.

Each brand has it's advantages, and flaws. Kato's #6 switches are not flaw free, and require adjustment at times, as do Shinohara, and Atlas. No brand is perfect. I found that I had issues with KATO #4 switches, even with 40" freight cars with floor mounted Kadees. The fact is that no matter what brand, or style of track you choose, you are going to have to make adjustments in order to attain flawless track.

I am currently rebuilding the curves on my layout, because after almost three years of virtually flawless operation, suddenly, everything wants to derail. Granted, I rushed myself on th initial installation, and used numerous short cuts, but that happens when you rush.

If your preference or accessibility is the Bachmann product line, take your time and it will work out.

Joe

[joe323]

There are 2 problems with ez track one is the turnouts need filing. Check out the Virginian video series part 8 for a how to.

The other problem is the unrealistic rosdbed Either you can ballast or if thats too messy or paint it with a thin wash. I use one quarter black acrylic craft paint (from Michaels) to 3 quarters water with a few drops of dish detergent. This dirties the track and brings out the texture of the roadbed.

So with a little effort EZ track will work

[bolter9]

I built The Worlds Greatest Hobby track plan with EZ track -it's 4x8. I didn't need the portability of EZ track, but since this is my first layout, it was a, well, EZ option. Reliability has been good on the nickel plated track (gray roadbed). I did have to file some of the turnout points, but that wasn't a big deal. visually speaking balasting and weathering is the way to go for a realistic look.
The only draw back for me is the 4x8 size. In HO there's a lot of selective compression in what you model

[Aussieboy73]

I have a few pics with rough drawings