Cheapest Way of purchasing a test track

[Drakken]

Hello all 

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

[Irish Padre]

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!

[Drakken]

Thank you  

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

[Irish Padre]

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.

[Dorsetmike]

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

[Drakken]

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 

[Irish Padre]

No dramas - always glad to set someone else on the road to Kato contentment !!

[Drakken]

So tempting to buy more pieces already lol

[kirky]

Yep I have an I all of Kato in the computer bag I use to store u ECoS. Very useful.

Kirky

[Newportnobby]

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

[JayM481]

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

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.