KB210: Modular Track Systems

This article was last updated on Jan. 12, 2012, 4 a.m. | Print Article | Leave Feedback

An important series of developments in model railroading have taken place that makes it much easier to enter the hobby and enjoy it right away. 

DCC is part of that process since it makes it easier to handle the train operation aspects of the hobby. 

Other improvements have been the ready availability of correctly decorated locomotives and cars, scenery systems such, and, most importantly of all, advanced track systems. 

Where it once required hours to get your model railroad’s track in proper operating form, the new modular track systems have greatly simplified things. 

Everything just clicks together.

These modular track systems are available from O to Z, and most all have a unified track built into a raised roadbed. 

These track systems have a locking feature which allows you to temporarily set up a layout, operate it for a time and then take it back down again.

Of the modular track systems, Kato’s Unitrack has the most different sections in both H0-Scale and in N-Scale and our recommendations here use this track. 

This product line is more than ten years old and comes from Japan. 

There are few Japanese model railroads because space is at a premium in this country, so the Japanese developed this system that allows them to quickly set up, operate their trains for an afternoon and then put everything away at the end of the operating session.

Since a modular track system such as Unitrack is meant to be assembled and disassembled, this is also perfect for the beginning model railroader in the rest of the world. 

You can set up a layout, test your locomotives and experiment with various track layouts. 

At the same time, the designs of the modular track systems also offer reliable operation, which removes one more potential source of frustration.

Was this article helpful? Send us feedback!

Questions or Comments on this article? Please visit helpdesk.digitrax.com and submit a ticket. Please reference the KB article number in your ticket.