What N Scale Track Should YOU Use?

I love using Kato Unitrack, but what track is best for you? In this video we look at six different types of N scale track and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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[Fragamacrunch]

Just getting into the hobby, I really can’t overstate how helpful this video was. Thank you for making it!

[SirLANsalot]

A note on the Kato #6 vs #4 switch. #6 switches are POWER ROUTING and cannot be changed. This means if you throw the switch, the power is cut off on the non thrown side. So this means you need to either add more power feeders, or just be aware that power is going to be cutoff. The Kato #4 Switch can be either or, there are jumpers (screws) on the bottom of the switch that allows you to choose between if you want it to power route, or not depending on its use. DO NOTE, that on some #4 switch's you need to see if it says Pat.P (Patent Pending) or not, some older switches have this. The Labeling on the pat.p #4's for power route and frog power....is backwards (that is on if off and off is on) this is fixed on current Kato switches, but it is something to look out for if getting used ones at a swap meet or e-bay.

[johncamp]

A very useful and informative video. I am a KATO user, and I feel that their quality is, in part, based on the Japanese model-train consumers who model very high-speed trains (300K/186mph); thus, they need to run their model trains three times the speed of their American counterparts and need more stable, tighter track. KATO also offers super-elevated curves (double track units).

[allenwilson]

This is the best breakdown of track options I’ve seen. Thanks!

[agenttexx]

I like Kato track more than I care for the bachman track. After I got the Kato, I tossed out all of the Bachman track I had. I would consider buying all Kato brand track and trains moving forward.

[tomg]

Thanks for the detailed description Steve.

[adave]

I’m modeling the Lincoln Park yard in Rochester NY. It was a B&O/NYC interchange with coaling tower and roundhouse. I think I’ll go Atlas 55 both in the yard and mainline, and Peco for the switches in the yard. My focus is the yard, with the mainline being just eye candy in the background.

[jesikebiking]

I like the Kato track because of its 7 inch radius when I built my 17x31 inch footlocker layout ==and it worked great

[NBLeopard]

I changed from Peco code55 to Kato because it is so much easier to use. The turnouts come with motors as standard and the #4 turnouts can be altered to non-power routing for DCC. With the Peco turnouts I needed to have servos and micro-switches to deal with the frog polarity. And when I got all that connected up I would still have to ballast the track. Also the Kato track makes it easier to change my mind - which I do regularly.

I put a tiny blob of solder on the stock rails just before the switch points and it seems to have solved the derailment problems for the #4 turnouts. The Peco turnouts are better in this regard because they have a small indentation in the stock rails to take the tips of the points and give a smoother transition. The blob of solder fulfils the same role by preventing the edge of the flange getting behind the point.

Another great advantage of Kato is the fact that you can run a train through a turnout with the switch set against it and the train will push the switch rails over. That allows some routes to operated without bothering to change the turnout. However you do have to turn "frog-power" off for this to work without a short circuit.

[TheNorthwestWind]

Great overview! I 10000% agree with your assesments, and have used all track you went over. Atlas Code 80 flex, with Peco Code 80 turnouts is the magic potion

[nynscaler]

Great video. I agree with the Kato #4 turnouts. I had some issues with them and actually use a combination of Peco code 80 turnouts and Kato Unitrack. Both work together flawlessly and look really good with fine detailing.

[skiphenry]

Very helpful. Learned a lot from you video. Thanks for sharing.

[tony]

Very valuable video for n-scalers!! I use Kato Unitrack because my layout is relatively small and the most important thing to me is reliability (no derailments and good electrical connection) ... someday if I ever get to build the layout of my dreams I will need to make the tough decision about what track to use because Kato Unitrack on a big layout gets expensive. But I see more and more people using it for big layouts here on Youtube.

[charlesgwyn]

Glad you included (briefly) Micro Engineering 55. Been using it exclusively for years and while hard to find in stock, it is a wonderful product.

[rayeremia]

Thank you, sir. Great overview of each. I like the realism Atlas 55 offers myself. Thank you again.

[edcrane]

I’m just starting with N guage and I have gone all Kato. Everything this company makes is great quality!

[muir]

Great review of the tracks thats easier available in the US. As far as looks go the fleischmann piccolo is a go, however I've gone with the tomix system, no running issues, a truly substantial range (far larger than Katos, but I suppose that's why it's the most popular of the Japanese products).
The tomix with its reduced ballast size does lend itself to ballasting better than the kato. As is obvious, all the ballast base track is limited to set radius curves, but like everything, if that's not a bother they're very reliable.
Good video

[KBuckyRailVideo]

If you're looking for "realistic" then Atlas code 55 is the choice. I had no problems with it, but aging eyes led me to HO scale several years ago. A video featuring my final N-Scale layout done with nothing but Atlas code 55 can be found on my channel.

[B-A-L]

I use Kato track because the lengths are easy to work with.

[DavidKiviat]

One point about peco code 80: the setrack turnouts have very compact geometry. If you are building a micro layout those turnouts significantly improve what you can build in a small space.