I'm a complete newb when it comes to scale model trains, but quite enthusiastic and hoping to learn quickly.
I picked up a Bachmann starter set (HO scale) for my daughter and I to enjoy, and to be honest, it's quite nice for the price. But, I think we're going to outgrow e-z track and I want to know what my options are.
I started building a layout on some plywood and have been painting and building some of my own accessories in addition to buying some pieces.
What I'd like to do is transition to something that will give me some more flexibility than Bachmann e-z track. I like that it's easy to install, but I think I'm ready for the next step so to speak.
If at all possible, I'd like to stay with relatively the same curve radius (is that possible?) in order to minimize re-building what I've already built, mounted, etc. if that makes sense. Also, at some point down the road, I'd like to be able to take the dive into DCC, but I'm not in a huge rush. I'd like the flexibility to make that transition though.
And I'm sorry if I'm completely missing the mark on some of these questions. I'm a little lost in terms of knowing what my upgrade options are.
I saw some rather nice looking track at a local hobby shop, and I think it was made by Atlas, but I didn't see how to power the track. I'm sure they had it somewhere, but I was in a hurry.
So a few questions:
(1) Can I upgrade to some better track that will have a similar track radius for the curved sections, so I can maintain my current layout?
(2) Will I still be able to use my existing power supply/command and then transition to DCC later, or is that a completely different ball game?
(3) I'd like to minimize any soldering that may be involved, because my solder skills are a bit rough.
(4) I'd like to keep costs reasonable so my wife doesn't freak out. E-z track is cheap. A buck something per piece of track. How much are we looking at for some upgraded track?
(5) Will this upgraded track be the type where you install cork trackbed underneath it?
Sorry for all the questions, and I truly appreciate any help and guidance anyone can offer. Thanks very, very much!
-Pat
I picked up a Bachmann starter set (HO scale) for my daughter and I to enjoy, and to be honest, it's quite nice for the price. But, I think we're going to outgrow e-z track and I want to know what my options are.
I started building a layout on some plywood and have been painting and building some of my own accessories in addition to buying some pieces.
What I'd like to do is transition to something that will give me some more flexibility than Bachmann e-z track. I like that it's easy to install, but I think I'm ready for the next step so to speak.
If at all possible, I'd like to stay with relatively the same curve radius (is that possible?) in order to minimize re-building what I've already built, mounted, etc. if that makes sense. Also, at some point down the road, I'd like to be able to take the dive into DCC, but I'm not in a huge rush. I'd like the flexibility to make that transition though.
And I'm sorry if I'm completely missing the mark on some of these questions. I'm a little lost in terms of knowing what my upgrade options are.
I saw some rather nice looking track at a local hobby shop, and I think it was made by Atlas, but I didn't see how to power the track. I'm sure they had it somewhere, but I was in a hurry.
So a few questions:
(1) Can I upgrade to some better track that will have a similar track radius for the curved sections, so I can maintain my current layout?
(2) Will I still be able to use my existing power supply/command and then transition to DCC later, or is that a completely different ball game?
(3) I'd like to minimize any soldering that may be involved, because my solder skills are a bit rough.
(4) I'd like to keep costs reasonable so my wife doesn't freak out. E-z track is cheap. A buck something per piece of track. How much are we looking at for some upgraded track?
(5) Will this upgraded track be the type where you install cork trackbed underneath it?
Sorry for all the questions, and I truly appreciate any help and guidance anyone can offer. Thanks very, very much!
-Pat