I have three MP's and two Bachmann Consolidations and one LL Mallet. Breaking each of them in was a horrible experience, doing it on my imperfect trackwork. In a box in the cornerof my basement, I saw a Kato Unitrack K1 Basic 2x4 oval. My wife got it for under a tree a few years ago, knowing I had packed away N scale locos and a few cars from 25 years before. It was what actually got me started again. However, I digressed. I came up with this bright idea (which I am sure most of you have in practice already). I assembled the 2x4 oval and have been using it as a break in track. It is perfect track, no kinks, just smooth as silk.
I use the Kato Unitrack on a small test and break-in track, but on my layout, I used Peco. I have learned how to "work" the Peco track so I get very smooth performance. Peco advantages: less expensive and has flextrack.
Excellent idea! Makes a good excuse for anyone to buy an oval of the Kato, and give Unitrack a try. Boxcab E50
