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 Posted - November 18 2011 : 02:54:01 AM
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Since I am new to this, I was wondering, what is the best track to use. So far all I have is Power-Loc and Bachman E-Z track. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.
dirtboy45
John S. Cunningham
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Posted - November 18 2011 : 11:25:00 AM
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I use those too & it does help Life-Like has a adapter track to use both EZ & Power loc track at the same time 
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Posted - November 18 2011 : 2:30:52 PM
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I think that sort of boils down to preference. I personally have a vintage setup so I use 100 old Atlas copper coated brass track. No problems yet.
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Posted - November 18 2011 : 3:20:04 PM
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Everyone has their own preference. I use Atlas code 100 nickel-silver. Whatever track you use, keep a rail cleaner handy. I use a Bright Boy or Track Brite cleaner.
- Thomas
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Posted - November 18 2011 : 8:15:42 PM
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As others have stated, it's almost a preference, "Ford vs. Chevy (vs. Dodge)" type thing. However, a few rules of thumb that are generally true regardless of preference:
- Nickel-Silver track is considered the best. It is generally low-maintenance, realistic, and highly conductive. It is also expensive. Note that "low maintenance" does not mean "never needs cleaning", but it is manageable and can withstand reasonable neglect.
- Steel is what comes with inexpensive sets, and probably what the EZ-track and power-lok track are. It is cheap. It gets dirty quickly but is the easiest to clean in my experience. It might even look the most realistic too. But owing to generally poor conductivity for large runs and frequency of cleaning, most people graduate away from this.
- Before nickel silver and steel, there was brass. Many old timers who were raised on it still swear by it. It even has its modern fans. It is the best conductor of the three. Personally, I hate the stuff. Looks ridiculous, and while it takes a while to get dirty in my experience, once it does you may as well throw it out. Of course I was younger then and probably not cleaning it right... but once I moved to nickel-silver I never looked back. I'd rather have steel. Brass is no longer made but you can find gobs of it on ebay.
As for Code - in HO 83 is considered most prototypical for modern typical mainline stuff. 100 is all there was for eons - therefore it is the most compatible, as older stuff with deep flanges will not run well (if at all) on 83. I would leave smaller stuff (70, 55) for the pros.
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Posted - November 20 2011 : 01:04:38 AM
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Cool stuff folks. I sure do appreciate the advice. I have a bunch of power loc and bachman so i will stick with those for now until I can afford a bunch of nickle silver. Thanks again and I did get a bright boy; works like a charm.
dirtboy45
John S. Cunningham
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