I have onset Parkinson's so real fine work is a struggle. What track system would be the best for me? The track with roadbed seems ok but I really like track like peco, Atlas, etc.
I need something that is fairly easy to use but looks great and performs with out many problems.
Dave
You don´t state in which scale you do your model railroading, but for HO scale as well as N scale, Kato Unitrack is a good choice. It has a unique joining system which makes it easy to use. The joiners provide excellent fit and electrical contact. The molded on trackbed looks a alittle off, but with a dab of paint and ballasting it improves greatly.
Dave,
Are you looking for N scale or HO?
I have used Kato Unitrack and the quality is excellent both in HO and N. There is considerably more selection in the N scale line.
I have seen photos of it after ballasting and it looks very good.
https://www.katousa.com/HO/unitrack.html
https://www.katousa.com/N/unitrack.html
Others may have suggestions too but I have had very good results with the N Kato Unitrack and a friend has used the HO version with success.
Hope this helps, Ed
Sorry for not saying what scale but it is HO.
You said you like Atlas track, and are modeling in HO scale, so, I would recommend, off of that information, Atlas True Track system. It is their regular code 83 HO Snap track, with an integrated roadbed system. It offers better alignment and has tabs that help with this.
I did pick up a pack, just to check it out, and, while not as good looking as old fashioned cork/track/ballast, it does not look that bad. A little weathering, it might even be fairly good. (Me, I'm doing the paint/ballast approach to make it blend perfectly with my other track.)
The only issue might be finding enough of it instock at just one location, unless Atlas finally got their instock Track issue settled...
Next best option, Kato.
The tab interlocking systems of these two do appear somewhat similar, and both should work well.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Atlas and Kato both work well. I hope you have a LHS that carries either in a quantity sufficient for your needs. I gave up on my LHS; they don't stock it, they want me to special order it and pre-pay at full retail plus tax. One of the benefits of shopping online at a place like MB Klein (ModelTrainStuff) is that their online inventory system tells you how much of their product is in stock. And it sells at a discount...
I built a layout using Atlas TruTrack but ripped it all up and replaced it with Kato Unitrack. I had a lot of trouble with the turnouts and found that the sections of track just don't fit that well together. Kato track and turnouts are of a far higher quality in my opinion. The Kato track has now been down for 7 years and no problems whatsoever.
CN Charlie