Best Track

[glsummers]

I am building a coffee table layout. Everything I have done is in HO scale but in the coffee table I need to do it in N Scale. What is the most trouble free track you can use for this? Thanks for input because I am not familiar with N scale. Larry

[Conrail Quality]

I'm using Kato Unitrack, and I've had no trouble with it. It comes with the roadbed attached, so it's easy to set up and take down.

Timothy

[Hunt]

Track consider
Kato Unitrack sectional --  http://www.katousa.com/N/unitrack.html

Your track plan may dictate the use of flex track.
Then consider
Micro Engineering -- http://www.nscalesupply.com/MEE/MEE-Track.html
Atlas -- http://www.atlasrr.com/



Beyond the scope of your question, but you may find this coffee table layout of some interest. Click http://www.coffeetabletrains.com/ct3.htm

[glsummers]

Mr Hunt and Tim,
I just finished the coffee table from the instructions of Bekatronics. Has anyone every built from their design? I have not stained it as of yet or started the track work. The track work will be simple since it is under glass and hard to get to if it is derailed. If anyone else has ever tried this it would be interesting to know all that you did. Thanks Larry

[thirdrail]

You had better have the glass hinged in some manner. You WILL have derailments, often when the train is not running but someone bumps the coffee table. The track and the locomotive wheels may also require periodic cleaning. You might consider sliding the railroad out like a drawer, but you risk derailments putting it back in.

Easy access to the train and track is imperative in the long term.

[glsummers]

Thirdrail,
Do you have any ideas how you would hinge a glass top on a coffee table layout. Maybe you have a good suggestion. Thanks Larry

[Hunt]

Larry,
Consider using two section sliding glass top. Illustration in the link I gave you.

[glsummers]

Hunt,
I have looked all through that site. I must have missed that. If you used tempered glass couldn't you put some type of sucktion up to life it up to get your hands on one end. Bekatronics' plans had glass all the way around and on top but they say nothing about how to lift the glass on top. Where in that site you took me to was the glass discussed? Thanks Larry

PS. This is a gift for my daughter so I can't have it too complicated. I plan to use Bachman's Dcc to operate the layout. Does Bachman have DCC installed engines in N scale? I know nothing about N Scale.

[GlennW]

If you have a simple oval, with no turnouts, Bachmann's EZtrack can be OK. Kato's Unitrack is better, but can be expensive. You may need to mix in some Atlas flextrack & turnouts or Peco track.

Consider using Toy Train Heaven in PA as a source for good track prices. They have recently revised the website to be easier to navigate.

[Hunt]

Hunt,
I have looked all through that site. I must have missed that. If you used tempered glass couldn't you put some type of sucktion up to life it up to get your hands on one end. Bekatronics' plans had glass all the way around and on top but they say nothing about how to lift the glass on top. Where in that site you took me to was the glass discussed? Thanks Larry

http://www.coffeetabletrains.com/ct3furniture.htm look closely at the Illustrations.

Use Plexiglas.

[glsummers]

Hunt,
I see it now there were two pieces of glass and they slid over each other in the middle.
Thanks Glenn, I am familiar with Toy Train Heaven. Thanks all. Larry

[thirdrail]

As to hinging the glass, use metal picture framing and put the hinges on one long side of the metal frame. You can also put a small knob on the opposite side to pick it up.

[glsummers]

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions. They were extremely helpful. God bless you all. Larry