Bachmann EZ Track vs Atlas

[Opie]

I am new to N scale but having been using Bachmann EZ track for HO for a couple years. I have been planning a small layout for a while now, and decided to switch to N scale due to size. I have noticed that EZ track doesn't look realitisic and seems very limited. Is Atlas N scale track better to use on a layout than N scale EZ Track. Does anyone know if an Atlas Right Track Power Pack comes with the power cord and terminal joiners?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Well, the new Atlas roadbed included track isn't out yet, but I'd be willing to bet it'll be better than the EZ Track.

The EZ track seems to have all of the drawback's of Unitrack (ie, clunky toy-like appearance) without the benefits of the precise engineering, wide variety, and overall high quality.

I know it's also REALLY limited in what's available. I believe there is only one type of switch available.

I also have heard that the way it connects (the J shaped hook) is really fragile and unreliable.

If you're going to go with something like EZ track, I'd suggest waiting for the upcoming Atlas product to be available, so you can compare it and the Kato Unitrack (the current leader in that type of thing).

[Caleb Austin]

I agree with Ed,I'm pretty sure you dont want to use EZ track I ran some a few years ago and didnt like it.                                               Kato unitack is probably the best track in roadbed system out there at the moment. Atlas is coming out with its own brand of track-roadbed track that looks really nice with smaller rail scale tie spacing.

[Opie]

Thank you, at somepoint will get around to building a layout. Right now money is tight because I have a baby on the way. I hope to start on a 4'x8' layout sometime over the summer. I know my wife brought me a Life-Like N scale steam engine for Christmas. What radius curve do is recommended for Heavyweight passenager cars?

[wm3798]

If you're building in N scale, reject the notion of a 4x8.  A 36" x 80" hollow core door is much more useful.  Check out Ed's website, and Dave Vollmer's.

Lee

[choochin3]

Kato Unitrack is the way to go.
I used Bachmann EZ track for my ho stuff,and it's not that good.
They just glued regular sectional track to a molded plastic roadbed. :
So the rail joiners don't line up correctly which results in a nice kink.
Since I've swiched to Kato track I have had no derailments,and I also use it for N scale also.

Carl T.

[ñiao]

If you're building in N scale, reject the notion of a 4x8.  A 36" x 80" hollow core door is much more useful.  Check out Ed's website, and Dave Vollmer's.

Lee

What's bad with a 4x8? However, for a better usage of that size, you might look at the August 19 entry in this blog: http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/ops_carorder.php Some very interesting thoughts. 

I only know EZ Track from H0 - if the N-scale is the same, then there's absolutely nothing to write home about.
Better go with Kato or wait and see for the new Atlas track.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You may also want to give Byron Henderson's blog a read. I'd suggest starting here:
http://mrsvc.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html

[sparky]

If you're building in N scale, reject the notion of a 4x8.  A 36" x 80" hollow core door is much more useful.  Check out Ed's website, and Dave Vollmer's.

Lee

What's bad with a 4x8? However, for a better usage of that size, you might look at the August 19 entry in this blog: http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/ops_carorder.php Some very interesting thoughts. 

Now this is interesting.  The blog you cite is written by Lee (WM3798), the same person who made the recommendation against the 4 X 8 you quoted...