We are going to talk about track for N scale.
There are basically two types of track, and you can get them in both codes 55 and 80.
You can purchase the track in a carded package. Straight and curve sections come in different sizes, and they will come with rail joiners to connect the track together. If you purchase the carded packages, just make sure you are getting the right code track. If you’re using code 55, you won’t want to mix it with code 80. Code 55 and code 80 are marked clearly on the package.
The next kind of track you can purchase is flex track. Flex track comes in 30″ lengths. You can purchase one or a pack of ten, and some places will even sell one hundred. Flex track does not come with rail joiners, so you will need to purchase them if you don’t already have them. Again, make sure you get the right rail joiners for the code of track you’re working with. The joiners will work on any code; however, code 55 rail joiners are just a bit smaller, so they are extra hard to put on code 80. I have had a lot of bloody fingers and frustration when I made that error.
Flex track versus hard track, which do I use?
Before I go any further, I do need to mention there is one more option now that is fairly new. This track is called Unitrack. Unitrack has the roadbed attached to it already and has special connections to join the track together.
Carded track is what I call hard track. This track is not flexible, and when doing your layout, to finish your loop, the pieces must join perfectly or match up. There is no give or take on hard track.
Flex track is exactly what the name says. It’s flexible. Depending on which company you get your track from, if you turn the track over and look at the bottom, you will either see every three sections of ties, and on one side of the rail, you will see a small gap where the plastic ties are not joined together. A few other manufacturers have those gaps on both sides. When using flex track, having gaps on both sides is better and easier to use.
With flex track, because it does come in 30″ sections, you will have to cut the rails to the size you need. It is harder to lay, and if you don’t take your time laying it, you will cause yourself frustration with derailments. I will go more into that in a later post on laying track. Personally, I will only purchase flex track. Once you have worked with it a little bit, you get good at laying it and keeping your rails even.
Unitrack is becoming very popular. Since it already comes with the roadbed attached, it will save you the hassle of doing it. It is hard track and comes in different sizes, but again, you have to be precise when finishing laying track to join that last piece. I have never worked with it because it is fairly new, less than ten years old. I can see why modelers like it, but to me, it looks like toy track, and I love working with flex.
As far as combining Unitrack with hard (carded) or flex track, I can give no advice since I have never used it. You can, however, mix and match carded track with flex track as long as you’re using the same code. Below, I have listed the pros and cons of carded track and flex track to help you get a clearer picture. Price-wise, you just need to compare. It depends on how much you need and how much you are purchasing at one time.
Pros for carded:
- Already cut to a standard size
- Comes with rail joiners
- Curved track has a consistent radius
- No cutting required
- Can get it in both codes 55 and 80
Cons:
- Very difficult to cut to size
- Is not flexible, so you must be exact
- It is harder to adjust around unmovable items
Pros and cons of flex track:
Pros:
- It comes in 30″ sections
- It is easy to manipulate
- You can create subtle curves
- Easy to cut to the exact size you need
Cons:
- Does not come with rail joiners
- Harder to lay
- You run the risk of making your radii too tight
Those are the major differences. If you’re still not sure, it won’t hurt to try both to find out which you prefer.
Happy railroading!