|
|
 Posted - August 07 2007 : 11:43:45 AM
|
Hey Guys:
I'd like to get some opinions on ballast attached, locking sectional track systems. Are you using them? Whats your experience?
-Gareth
|
Country:  Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
 Posted - August 07 2007 : 8:10:14 PM
|
If you are not trying to out-model Tony Koester, it's the best thing going.
All you need to do is add real ballast (if you wish to REALLY detail it), and lightly weather the rails, and you're done. No cork roadbed, no 1,000,000 sections of snap track.[:D]
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 316 ~
Member Since: June 16 2006 ~
Last Visit: September 02 2017
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 08 2007 : 9:25:26 PM
|
| LOL, you might indeed beat the Evil Tony at his own game, but you'll also might need a second or third mortgage to do so. And I always figured the roadbed track was, essentially, snap-track-with-a-base. Or is there a different version I'm not thinking of?
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2175 ~
Member Since: July 15 2006 ~
Last Visit: January 31 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 08 2007 : 11:11:51 PM
|
This "Snap Track" has some perks. Both Bachmann and Life-Like have them available, as well as Atlas. Naturally, Atlas will be superior in comparison.
But, the price is an issue as well as a bit of dictated track plans.
With the cheaper track, you will encounter the sound your trains make in rolling over each section joint. I have no experience with Atlas.
Now, the perks... yes, Snap Track. Set it up on shagged or no-shag floors.
Gotta put it away quickly? EZ! Drill two screws into the wall and viola! Hang the track vertically and it stays together. Remember to remove the trains, before doing so. And, it's all modular. Zippy switches (or Turn-outs), rerailers and bumpers (buffers with Thomas)... the electrical connections may need a bit of improvement or security.
The other perk is this: Your track with stay together and tighter until you use some muscles to take it all apart.
Good luck! Finally, those "cheaper" train sets have come a long way.
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 1124 ~
Member Since: December 15 2006 ~
Last Visit: January 30 2023
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 09 2007 : 01:01:13 AM
|
Which of them allow you to remove the ballasting for going over a bridge?
-G
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 4200 ~
Member Since: January 08 2006 ~
Last Visit: November 09 2021
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 10 2007 : 05:12:47 AM
|
On a bridge... curved or straight? Warren Truss, Howe, or Plate girder?
Plate girder... with a straight section, just put it on top of the deck.
I have seen real plate girders with the ballast throughout the length of the bridge.
Otherwise, trim off the ballasted portion... gonna take some time, but it does come off.
Forge Ahead!
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
|
|
Country: Canada ~
Posts: 1124 ~
Member Since: December 15 2006 ~
Last Visit: January 30 2023
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 10 2007 : 10:18:37 AM
|
You'd have to be using the Bachmann-style roadbed track, with rail joiners... Life-Like's is technically a superior design but is incompatible with just about everything (although you can modify it).
Anyway... just break off the connector tabs on the EZ-track, and there you go. That's what I did to connect it to the operating crossing signal in the vid I posted a few weeks ago.
I have also modified and EZ-track section by removing a section of roadbed at either end, to connect to a road/rail crossing. Not the easiest stuff to cut but it can be done.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 2175 ~
Member Since: July 15 2006 ~
Last Visit: January 31 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - August 10 2007 : 8:45:05 PM
|
| I think it all looks too tall. I'd use it around the Christmas tree, but I'll take Atlas flex and custom line turnouts for a layout. (just one modelers opinion) It's pretty pricey too!
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 83 ~
Member Since: June 07 2007 ~
Last Visit: October 21 2009
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
