With a few snaps, the HO or N
scale size EZ track is very useful for those who have difficulty in placing track.
This is especially true for older or perhaps inhibited model railroad enthusiasts
who have difficulty with the more traditional types of track when placing them
together. Whilst this is just one of the many n scale track stystems available, the
product is worth considering if you want to keep things simple. This website is by
no means recommending or endorsing Bachmann products, we are simply providing some
options for the model railroader to consider. You need to make up your own mind
based on your own research. Just because a track system suits one modeler, it
doesn't necessarily follow that the same system will be best for everyone in the
hobby.
The other thing to remember is
to invest time laying the track (any track) properly. To avoid problems, especially
with derailments, good track work is essential. Rushing construction can cause
mistakes.
Simple Designs: Another
advantage that this Bachmann track has for beginners is that they can create
simple, but very attractive designs for their layout. EZ track is perfect for
building ovals or single lines of track where sidings and yards are few and far
between. While the track switches are somewhat more expensive than some of their
traditional counterparts, this should not be an issue for those who are interested
in creating simpler, elegant layouts.
Durability: Although seemingly
counter-intuitive, the Bachmann EZ track actually sticks together quite well over
the days, months or even years that they may be used. For many, this seemingly
simply snap-together design is quite tight and will last for years without having
to be re-done or replaced. It’s little wonder this track system is the choice for
many people who want to set up their designs quickly
and have them last for a long time.
Versatility: Thanks to the snap
together design, you can now build your railroad on standard floors, tables or even
carpet (not recommended due to dust problems) without having to set up additional
supports. This can be of great advantage for those who enjoy making new layout
designs for their railroad on a frequent basis. Plus, it can be set up virtually
anywhere there is a flat, sturdy surface and enough room for the track layout
itself.
Creating New Designs: Finally,
one of the advantages for Bachmann N scale ez track owners who now have years of
experience and have acquired other types of track is that they can create new
designs more readily. Basically, if you have planned out a complex or tricky part
of the layout, sometimes you just don’t know if it will work until you put it
together. EZ track allows you to put together the new design fairly quickly so you
can test it out. In this manner, you can save time and energy when creating more
complex turns in layouts.
Of course, not everything is
perfect with Bachmann EZ tracks. For example, although the design of the track
itself, particularly the snap-together part is well suited in creating electrical
connections, a couple of my friends reported that the running of the trains over
these connections can disrupt the electrical signal from time to time. Basically,
this means that the track needs to be fixed in place with additional means in order
to maintain the electrical current flow to properly activate the
switches.
However, this is generally a
minor detail that only happens occasionally. For those who create simpler designs,
such issues will generally not come up over the course of time.
Tips for the Bachmann EZ Track
Although the experienced
railroad enthusiast may not see this Bachmann snap together track as being
particularly advantageous, there are still some neat uses for these tracks that can
benefit both you and the hobby itself.
Temporary Designs: If you have
a unique design in your home, you can use Bachmann N scale EZ to duplicate it
wherever you go. This is a great way to expand the enjoyment of your hobby by
showing off your particular design on a smaller scale at public events that show off
the advantages.
A Great Gift for Beginners: For
those who still have EZ track, but perhaps do not use it as much anymore, you can
give it away as a gift to those who see your track design and want to get into the
hobby. This track system is perfect for beginners and offering a set of tracks can
further the interest of young ones in particular.
Overall, the advantages of
Bachmann ez tracks are considerable for the enthusiast who loves to build and
re-build their designs on different types of surfaces. For the beginner, this track
method represents a great way to get into the hobby. Bachmann EZ track layouts are
just one option. There are numerous other model railroad manufacturers also selling
track including: Atlas, Kato, Hornby and several other brands. You could also
consider Kato
Unitrack and see how it compares. Most of these manufacturers stock a
range of turnouts, straights, curved track etc. Which system you choose is entirely
over to you.
Do purchase the two N scale books mentioned
above if you are keen on N
gauge or N scale railroading. The books get downloaded to your computer
where you can save them, and/or print them out, or save then to a disk or memory
stick.
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