Kato track

[g-pa1]

I have a chance to buy a Kato unitrack starter kit and was wondering if this track is any different than Life Like Power-Loc or Backmann's EZ track? It looks like it's the same thing. Gene

[untabubba]

I'm sure the Kato is probably a bit better quality, but I think they are all, essentially, the same. They are not, repeat NOT, interchangeable. I think Kato sells a conversion piece, but I don't know WHAT it "converts". I have a BUNCH of EZ track, which I am not so crazy about because of lack of "flexibility". If I had it to do over again, I would NOT get involved with it. They only sell, like 2 or 3 size pieces, and their switches (turnouts) are TRASH!! I have THREE and they ALL "burned out". They are the power routing kind and I don't have the skills to fix them (Can anybody reading this help me?) I'd think long and hard about getting into it Gene. I know there are guys here that use the Kato track, so maybe we'll hear from them. It's a mixed bag. The plastic roadbed tracks ARE MUCH easier to assemble, etc. However, I think the "realistic crowd" tends to the Peco and Atlas flex track, which I am STILL trying to "master". I plan to get ALL the EZ track off of my "big" layout and use it for a "quickie" Christmas display in my foyer. It's PERFECT for that application. Snap, snap, snap and you have a cute little "Up and Over" inverted "8" on a 4X4 in the corner! After the holidays, snap,snap, snap, back in the box till next year! Of course this is JUST my (rambling) humble opinion! :8} Marc

[janesew]

I'm sorry I can't help you Gene but I feel I just gotta weigh in here. I am not a fan of the untitrack style of track. I think that it is too restrictive in what you can do and how you can model your RR. I know that it is easier at first but once you get the hang of laying flextrack (or even hand laying track) the benefits in modeling are worth it. That being said, my wife's Uncle, who hand layed and used Atlas track, has switched over exclusively to Kato and has convinced his brother (my father-in-law) who is just starting out , to do the same. I tried to talk my Father-in-law out of it and told him I would guide him through the flextrack and ballasting but he was intimidated and lured by the ease of the Kato sytem. I must admit it is as good as their locos in quality!! My father-in-law is very handy, modelled soldiers, makes furniture, and is very meticulous yet was intimidated by the steps needed to lay track, ballast and power switches. Oh well. I have used Kato products on my layout (a crossover and bridges)and managed to match the ballast to my flextrack work. Good Luck Gene. I'm sure someone will give you an informed answer instead of my ranting... haven't had breakfast yet! Fred - not ragging on Kato! First rate products!

[janesew]

Sorry Marc, I didn't see your answer because we were posting at the same time. So... uh... Ditto! Fred

[untabubba]

No problem, Fred. It IS VERY easy, but WAY restrictive! You really have to stick to rather simplistic track plans. (IMHO) Marc

[trmwf]

I tend to stick to the stuff that got us here. I think the "instant" track is fine for certain applications like Marc's Christmas train set but would be far to restrictive (and probably not cost effective) for a larger layout. I have not tried any of these systems and have really only saw a few pictures and adds about them so really know very little except for the basic concept. I think long sweeping curves and large radii would be out of the question if you went that route. Lay your own and get the track layout that "you" want, not the one that fits the limited variations of a "fixed system". Just my opion but then I am prejudice. Mike

[ginzokid]

Now let's see if I can specifically answer the question. Kato, LL and Bachmann track all have different connection systems. They are not interchangable as said here above. The quality of the KATO is superior and the advantage of hidden switch machines in their turnouts is appealing. The other two are suitable for temporary layouts. Kato is expensive though and you are limited to certain configurations of track layout, again as mentioned above. I believe Kato has accessories that are powered from the track like lights and signals which is a plus, but again expensive. If you are going to stay with the unitrack, but the started set. If you are going to use flextrack soon, don't buy it. Some people even ballast the Kato track to make it look more realistic. My two cents says go with flextrack. You have much more freedom of layout design. Pete

[g-pa1]

Just an update. I went ahead and purchased for $25.00 plus shipping, the Kato K1 starter track and now having seen it am impressed with the thoroughness and the thinking behind the design. I will use it to go side by side with my other oval (see the future layout in the photo section) and then turn to the left at the top and go under the future foam via a tunnel to rejoin the oval at the bottom. In other words the two ovals will form a butterfly of sorts. With the atlas track going up and over the other two. I still am not sure where to put the mine but that will be a fourth element in the layout. These planning brainstorms are getting to be expensive. I think I will knock out a hole in the foundation so I can have an outdoor action adventure area for a new branch of the "Holy Cow RR" (Just kidding about the hole...I think!!) Gene

[ginzokid]

Good for you Gene. Experiment and find out what you like. Isn't this a great hobby where we can all be satisfied with different things and methods? I like the HCRR. The hole could be a connection to another road, you know, a junction. Pete

[janesew]

Gene, Kato is a pretty nifty system and you certainly got a good price. I was at one of the LHS yesterday helping out (times are tough and the owner was alone in the store) and I spent quite a bit of time talking to another customer who was just starting out. He ended up buying a lot of Kato track and some Locomotives. The owner of the shop was pretty happy with my salesmanship knowing that I personally preferred the Flextrack and Peco turnouts. But it was easy because of the quality of the Kato product and the needs of the customer. I'm impressed that you're combining systems on the HCRR Gene. Flextrack Fred - Yo

[trmwf]

Hhhhmmmmm. The Holy Cow RR. I'm picturing a daisy type cow face off of a borden product with "Holy Cow" arched above and "Railroad" arched around the underneath. At the other end of the car or loco I see the slogan "The Holy Cow Get's It There Now.....and That Ain't No BULL!!!" Have you thought of a copyright Gene? Mike

[ginzokid]

I'm afraid to ask what paint scheme you have in mind for your engines. Holstein maybe? "Ship on the Holy Cow and Avoid Udder Confusion" "The Holy Cow Will Mooooove Your Freight and Not Be Late" Pete, the Ad man

[g-pa1]

Next we'll add the Holy CowPie wagon as a caboose! Maybe a slogan would be: We Mooove From One end to the Udder

[janesew]

I'm partial to the guy who was fed up with the Rivet counters and called his line... Norfolk & Way. Fred - Moo

[ginzokid]

Have we "milked" this one dry yet Guys? :8} Fearless Leader