All, What do you recommend as the best easy / ready track: Bachmann, Kato or LifeLike? John Bartolotto
I have the LL track that comes with their sets nowadays. It does not hold the track in good alignment without some prodding, and is prone to derailing. I dunno about B-mann, but I know for a fact Kato Unitrack is highly regarded for its reliability, and how bulletproof it is. Stick with the Unitrack; it costs more, but the product is worlds ahead of the competition.
My kids have the Bachmann track. I think it is very durable(kid tested) and functions well. It also has a great variety of crossovers/bumpers/straights, etc. LL seems limited on options. Of course, Kato is nice, but its to pricey to let the kids have. The Bachmann turnouts are power routed and remote operated. For some reason the oldest turnouts we have were hit or miss on how well they functioned-derailment wise that is. The lastest ones we purchased all worked fine right out of the package. I think they also have a transition track to go to flex track. And it is all code 80 rail, by the way. But thats just my two cents worth...
Oh boy, here we go again. (by that I mean, this topic comes up every so often and the opinions are many). My vote: Kato Unitrack. While pricey, it's well worth the price IMHO. Bulletproof, reliable. Kato Unitrack Unijoiners have better electrical conductivity by far. #6 turnouts work without any problems. #4s turnouts work for most, and can be tuned by filing a small 'notch' in the side rail to allow the points to fit into... will then be bulletproof as well. Unitrack has the best selection of curve radius, crossings. The turnouts have electric remote control turnout motors built into the base. Unlike the other two, Unitrack also has resale value, you can usually sell it on the Internet groups or eBay and get a reasonable dollar for it. Alternatively, you can buy it used and be reasonably assured you will have good experience with it. Just my 2 cents worth. Happy Holidays!
I think that's a wrap! I'll leave it to the rest to put a bow on it. I just hope I get the big freakin' box of Kato track. Mark
While looking for something else I discovered that Tomy / Tomix has quite an interesting line of track+roadbed as well. It is not readily available outside of Japan but some reports assert that it predated Unitrack and outsells it inside of Japan. I was intrigued by this track as it is available in extremely small radii (as in, 103mm or around 4 inches!) which is useful for trolley layouts or for something that can be fit into a shadowbox. In fact, I've learned that there is a YahooGroup on that topic. Tomix : Tomix I don't really offer this as a serious North American contender to the brands already mentioned, since it is not actively marketed here, but just as an additional data point to consider in special situations.
Since I saw that John lives in Germany: Give JapanModelRailways - JapanToyService a try. They might stock Tomix track. A good source for japanese model railroads, and they are local Just a thought.
Atlas is supposedly going to be coming out with a line of code 65 unitrack-like track next year. It looks a lot like Kato's offering. There's no mention of it on their website that I can find, but Google 'Atlas code 65 track' and you'll find some discussion. I hope they do, and that they do it right.
I'm a recent convert to Unitrack. Agreed it's a bit more pricey but seems well worth it. As others have said here, it appears pretty bulletproof.
I'm going to say with out a doubt Kato is the best choice. I would echo other people's thoughts on resale price, bulletproof reliability, and add my own thoughts: Just with the knowledge on this forum looking backward, there is a TON of discussion on the track. From wiring switches to ballasting you could spend days learning. Not to mention if there's something you can't find you could start a thread by asking. With members like John Sing, Bryan9, etc. I'm not sure there's any question that would go without an answer or solution. Now maybe Atlas can give them a run for their money...competition between the two can only help everyone. I'd still love to see some more varied radii between 19 and 28 inches. That's just me...
An odd suggestion, get a little of both Bachmann and unitrack and see for yourself. I personally really like Unitrack, but found the cost excessive. The poster who mentioned Bachmann made me curious to see how the new bachmann products are built.
I think you get what you pay for, we seem to want modern Kato style quality in everything, but pay 1970's Model Power prices. when you add the price of a switch machine and your time installing it the cost of a Unitrack turnout isn't too bad. While I will be using Atlas code 55 for my US home layout for appearances and Peco code 55 for the club and Ntrak modules for compatability, I have used Unitrak for a small Japanese layout, for which the track is more prototypical, and would use it again if I build another. I had the track in place and running within minutes of recieving the package and its run flawlessly at several shows. It would be great if we had something with the quality and concept of Unitrack but with the US appearance and variety of turnouts and curve radii as Atlas code 55, I hope Atlas can develop their new line as Kato cater to the Japanese market. BTW as someone else said Unitrak isn't No.1 in Japan, if you go into a Japanese hobby shop it's overhelmed by the Tomix track.
I have to agree with the UMTRR .. it's hard to get outside Japan, but Tomix Fine Track is *my* preference. I think Unitrack is one of those "you love it or you hate it" things. Personally, I hate it. The rails never join smoothly in height (there is always a catching edge), the roadbed is huge ini my eyes, and I hate the bizarre geometry choices. The Fine Track is nice, has a small roadbed (easy to hide with real ballast if you want), joins dead evenly every time, comes apart without the twist, and the geometry makes sense. There is also a wider range of options. The bad side is the parallel spacing of 37mm vs. 33mm for Unitrack, but that extra 4mm means a few less sideswipes. It's hard to get, but for me the extra effort is worthwhile. My Unitrack sits languishing in a box... I'll probably use it to make some T-Trak modules so I can play with others. Of course, YMMV and probably will.
All - Thanks for the advice!! Phil - what process have you found to make the Kato Unitrack balast look realistic? John
I have to agree with everyone else on Unitrack. I use it on my main layout. The fit is excellent, electrical continuity is solid, and the switches are silky smooth. With Unitrack, there are no cast in nubs to break off like with EZ track or Powerlock. If something malfunctions in the joinery, you simply snap in a new joiner. Unitrack also has the greatest variety of pieces. The only trouble I have with unitrack is how the tracks meet the double crossover on my layout. For some reason, all four joining tracks have approx .010 misalignment in the railhead height causing some hard clicking as trains cross with an occasional derailment if I'm running too fast. Also, Kato switch controllers seem a tad on the cheesy side. I've had to replace two of them due to poor mechanical latching and electrical contact. I have no experience with EZ track but our holiday tree layout is Power Lock track and switches. The track is OK. It has excellent electrical continuity and stays together well. The switches however are kind of cheesy. Half the engines I own derail on them. But they weren't $25 each either.
Seventeen years ago I filled my two car garage with an N-Scale layout built entirely of Kato Unitrack. There is nothing available in "instant" track as reliable as the Kato. You will pay more for a product that I can say will probably last a lifetime. If you want to see pictures of the layout here are two sites to enjoy. Steve Stein Layout Photos and my own website TRAINSAREI's HOME LAYOUT
