E Z Track layout

[Paul1261]

Its is possible to use my EZ track to make The Virginian" Layout ( May 2012) issue using a 4 x 8ft platform. I have notice that all layouts are with the traditional track. Is there a section for layouts utilizing bachmann EZ Track?

[GP-9_Man11786]

The main problems with using EZ Track are that it's quite difficult to custom cut pieces of track, has a limited selection of curves and turnouts and is significantly more expensive than traditional track. Also traditional track allows a little bit more flexibility for track plans that aren't quite perfect.

EZ Track is more geared forwards running trains on the floor were it's not secured to anything. On a table top, you're basically paying for a functionality you don't really need.

I believe Bachmann's web site has some EZ Track track plans. That could be a good place to start.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

While it's possible to build a layout with EZ-Track from a track plan intended for another type of track it isn't always practical. EZ-Track turnouts go from #4 up to #5 and crossover turnouts are #6. Curves go from 15" radius to 35.5" radius. Curves come in regular length, half length, one-third length. Straights go from 36" down to 2.25". The standard length is 9". The selection of curves is fair but not all pieces are available at all times and there's no ability of making curves of non-available radius unless you use flex track. Mixing track types can cause derailments if not done carefully. The track pieces are expensive with only Uni-Track being more expensive I believe so if you're looking to save money it's not practical. On track piece lengths that aren't available in EZ-Track such pieces can be cut using a razor saw or a Dremel with a cut-off disk. However these pieces won't be able to lock together. The joiners will have to be soldered to the other piece of track. For my own layout I used all standard length pieces and cut whatever different length pieces I needed as I went.

[wojosa31]

I did experiment with EZ track, specifically, 26" and 28" radius sectional curves. I even managed to separate a few track sections from the roadbed, but only about half survived. Once the roadbed is removed, the sections matched Atlas code 100 sectional track.

Currently, I am replacing Kato uni-track with a combination of Atlas Code 83, and Micro Engineering Code 70. I was never quite able to attain the results I was looking for with the Kato track. It is just too rigid to work with.  I am saving my Uni-track as Kato has recently introduced different packages, and may expand their line to match their N scale offerings.

 

[Paul1261]

Thanks for the info... I was afraid of this....I have about $500 of Ez-track and what caught my eye was the DCC remote for the turnoffs vs. wiring connections.

[IRONROOSTER]

You can probably do an approximation of the layout.  Lay your track out in a 4x8 area and see how close you can come.  By shifting turnouts, omitting a track here and there, rearranging some areas, etc. you should be able to come up with something that captures the spirit of the layout.  Make paper copies if you don't already have enough track pieces.

Good luck

Paul

[wilson44512]

I went with EZ track because im new to model railroading. And dont have the skills yet for using or building the other tracks. Like they said any track with a bed made to it will limit what you want to do. plus i have a very limited budget.  So think hard before you decide what track you are going to use.

My work in progress

https://picasaweb.google.com/108040792292300240573/WILSONRR

[BroadwayLion]

LION is using EZ track for his transfer system. I mounted some track on a four foot long board, this way I can lift and move a train between the layout and my work bench. Around in the back I may install some switches that end in a piece of easy track so that I can simply plug my transfer stick into the layout and simply drive the trains onto (or off of) the layout.

LION'S trains are all six car subway trains with draw bars instead of couplers. Can you say 48 wheel power pickup, and constant lighting circuits.

ROAR

[cuyama]

If you are strongly committed to EZ Track, a tabletop "island" layout, and this track plan, then the best approach might be to use a larger tabletop, such as 5X10 or 5X12. The fixed geometry and limited choices of EZ Track turnouts will make it challenging to duplicate this track plan in the exact same space. Note that MR used turnouts from multiple suppliers and even modified some to fit.

One other  thing, the overhead track-to-track clearance required for EZ Track is significantly more than with the track MR used, so your grades will be much steeper unless you use some other track for the upper lines (or enlarge the table top, as noted above).

Best of luck.

Byron