Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: chuckjq on February 20, 2014, 02:32:55 AM

Title: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: chuckjq on February 20, 2014, 02:32:55 AM
Can regular HO track from other manufacturers be used with Bahmann E/Z track.  Just recently received Bachmann Pacific Flyer with E?Z track and have lot of regular HO track on existing layout.  Would hate to have to throw it out.
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: ebtnut on February 20, 2014, 04:01:08 PM
Assuming the other track is standard sectional or flex track with code 100 rail, yes they are compatible.  The issue will be having to shim up the other track to match the height of the EZ Track roadbed.  Cork roadbed is a good start, but might need to be shimmed up a bit to match. 
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: richg on February 20, 2014, 04:35:52 PM
One persons success in the below link. Scroll down to Rangerover.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?topic=8212.0;wap2

Rich
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: chuckjq on February 20, 2014, 07:49:59 PM
TNX for the comments and my question was answered.
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: Doneldon on February 20, 2014, 07:57:26 PM
Chuck-

You can use Code 100 sectional track and flex-track from any manufacturer. You cannot use roadbed-attached sectional track from other manufacturers without doing some cutting and filing to get the rails to meet because the plastic architecture for joining sections is unique to every manufacturer.

You can also use any rail size as long as you are prepared to do some adjusting so the railheads are at the same point. You can buy rail joiners which will join Codes 83 and 100 or you can flatten one end of a Code 100 joiner, slip the normal end onto the Code 100 rail and solder the Code 83 rail to the top of the flattened rail joiner.

I don't know whether the Pacific Flyer set comes with steel alloy rail mounted on black roadbed or nickel/silver rail mounted on gray roadbed. The NS rail is a good performer. If it's the steel rail on black roadbed variety I suggest that you try to sell the track on eBay or Craig's List and start from scratch with any brand of nickel/silver track with or without roadbed. I'll also suggest Code 83 rail as it looks a little more in scale. The steel alloy track is a pain in the neck although I must acknowledge that it looks good.
                                                                                                                                                                                        -- D
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: Len on February 21, 2014, 10:19:09 AM
Actually, you can use back-to-back "Power-Link" adapters from Life-Like's "Power-Loc" track line to go from EZ-Track to just about any other brand of track without any cutting and filing. The EZ-Track pin and loop slip right into the opening on the 'standard' end of the "Power-Link".

I've done this many times to add Peco 'Streamline' turnouts to places an EZ-Track, or other, turnout just wouldn't work.

Len
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: rrtom on February 22, 2014, 06:36:10 PM
you have to build up the roadbed by .280 thousands. i had the same problem with atlas flex track and ez track.  one quarter inch plywood and 30 weight tarpaper worked perfectly.
Title: Re: e/Z Track to standard track
Post by: robby on April 14, 2014, 06:53:15 PM
I tried this, as I was originally going to use EZ-Track with Atlas code 100 track to use my turnouts. I used a section of N scale cork roadbed on top of HO scale roadbed (I use North West) and then used a shirt cardboard shim under the EZ-Track section and was able to run over it with coupled cars with no problems. I only nixed the idea, as I decided I wanted a lower profile than EZ-Track provides (I wish the design was like Atlas True-Track, but when my step-son discovered model trains as a kid, I know that the EZ-track was a blessing).