N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Drakken on June 30, 2016, 08:01:50 PM

Title: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Drakken on June 30, 2016, 08:01:50 PM
Hello all  :beers:

As I only have an end to end layout I would like a small oval or something similiar I can use and dismantle as a test track for running in locomotive's. Is it a case of buying say three or four lengths of flexi track and connecting to use as a test track with a power source?

Many Thanks for your advice, Chris
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Irish Padre on June 30, 2016, 08:21:44 PM
http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20850-basic-oval-with-kato-controller-p-396.html (http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20850-basic-oval-with-kato-controller-p-396.html)

Not sure what others will say but this is hard to beat. Can be taken up and set down endless times. Only thing is it can get addictive as you add more bits on!
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Drakken on June 30, 2016, 08:27:11 PM
Thank you :)  :beers:

I've got a spare controller could I purchase the set without the controller and use a Bachmann or Farish one?

http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20864-inner-oval-track-master-p-265.html (http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20864-inner-oval-track-master-p-265.html)
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Irish Padre on June 30, 2016, 08:37:30 PM
http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20865-outer-oval-track-master-p-266.html (http://www.traintrax.co.uk/20865-outer-oval-track-master-p-266.html)

You could always get this one then and cut off the Kato connector. For £25 or so it's a great way to get a really reliable test track that you can easily dismantle again.
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Dorsetmike on June 30, 2016, 08:37:41 PM
I've used Kato, if you already have a controller 3 packs of 4 radius 2 or 3  curves £5.10 each, pack of 4 straights £5.75 each, or a V6 boxed set which has a R3 circle, a quarter straight connector rail 2 full straights 2 half straights and one quarter straight (to even up with the connector £25.50; if you need a controller as well then go for the M1 set which has an R2 oval and a controller.

A radius 2 circle and 4 straights will just fit on a 4'x2' board

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/albums/Dorsetmike's_pix/Dir_2/main_7677.jpg)

Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Drakken on June 30, 2016, 08:42:51 PM
Thank you so much for the advice, Ordered the Kato V6 Outer Oval Variation Pack. I've seen the track available and ordered and extra couple pieces of track. Dorsetmike & Irish Padre you've got me hooked I think

Thank you again  :beers:
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Irish Padre on June 30, 2016, 08:52:49 PM
No dramas - always glad to set someone else on the road to Kato contentment !!
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Drakken on June 30, 2016, 08:53:44 PM
So tempting to buy more pieces already lol
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: kirky on June 30, 2016, 08:56:13 PM
Yep I have an I all of Kato in the computer bag I use to store u ECoS. Very useful.

Kirky
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: Newportnobby on June 30, 2016, 09:06:20 PM
It's worth putting a couple of points (1 facing, 1 trailing) in your oval just to see if some locos don't like running through points :hmmm:
Title: Re: Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track
Post by: JayM481 on June 30, 2016, 10:31:52 PM
Quote from: newportnobby on June 30, 2016, 09:06:20 PM
It's worth putting a couple of points (1 facing, 1 trailing) in your oval just to see of some locos don't like running through points :hmmm:

I agree with this, though Kato #4 points are particularly troublesome in my experience. Maybe it would be better to adapt the brand of points you use in your main layout to the Kato oval? Makes more sense if you're testing reliable running.