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About the Kato Unitrack, it is high quality and well built, but as mentioned above, not as realistic looking as standard track on a cork (or similar) roadbed. The Unitrack goes together easily and comes apart easily allowing you to change configuration easily and quickly. If you're looking for something to set up on a 4x8 layout and want to get things together quickly, they offer the WGH track set, part #3-103. Basically it's a loop with four switches allowing you to build the layout shown in the "World's Greatest Hobby" video. Bachmann and Atlas also sell track kits for this same basic layout, at least as far as I can recall. The Kato track is expensive by comparison to the others, but is of very high quality. It lists for $200, but I got this set at a train show a few weeks ago for about $150. I don't know what the Atlas set costs, but you should be able to find the Bachmann set for under $100, if price is a serious concern for you. If you have a local hobby shop that carries all these products, ask to see if you can look at all of them and compare how they go together and come apart. If you plan to start with this type of setup and intend to keep it as your layout grows, also look at the other pieces available to be sure that you can build up to what you want as your layout grows. Kato makes a pretty good selection of Unitrack, and I believe you can just connect standard code 83 track on a cork roadbed directly to the end of the Unitrack if you want to transition to standard track. I have not tried this, but from looking at the Unitrack's construction, it should be easy to do. As for couplers, there are two basic types. One is the "old" horn hook style which does not look at all authentic and there is the knuckle type, which looks more or less like the real thing. There are many manufacturers making both types. Knuckle couplers are found mostly on cheap, toy type train equipment these days, but were standard on almost everything many years ago. Knuckle couplers are found on the better models and come in a variety of designs, although they generally work well together. Knuckle couplers do not work with horn hook couplers. An earlier post recommended staying away from the Accumate couplers. I have a few cars with these couplers and have not had any problems with them, but that's not to say others have not. Other than some Atlas and most Accurail products, I have not seen them on anything else. Most of the other knuckle couplers that are standard equipment are either McHenry or Bachmann made, and are made of plastic. From what I've read on this forum, these eventually break and need to be replaced. Most often, people recommend using Kadee metal couplers as a replacement due to their durability. There are a lot of quality locomotive models available these days with the Athearn, Lifelike Proto 1000 and Bachmann Spectrum being on the lower end of the price scale. As detail increases, so does cost. Lifelike Proto 2000 models are pretty well detailed and still fairly reasonably priced. Atlas, Kato, Stewart Hobbies and Broadway Limited Imports are all highly recommended, but sometimes get pricey. As a rule of thumb, stay away from Bachmann standard and Lifelike (non Proto) models. These are basically toy trains. If you go with the WGH track sets I mentioned earlier, they come with a layout design and will likely include some ideas for upgrading your layout. There are also a lot of books with good track plans shown in them. Have fun with your new found hobby! -Joe
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