I am new to hobby and want to start HO layout with Kato unitrack due to ease. Am not much for wiring issues. The room size I’m using is 12’ by 18’, so my layout will be bigger than a 4X8 piece of plywood. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of using unitrack from Kato? Is it the best unitrack product to use? This novice appreciates all suggestions.
Unitrack is a Kato trademark, so it’s the only, ‘Unitrack,’ product. The generic term is sectional track on plastic roadbed.
Consider Unitrack versus the world;
Pros:
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Top quality product. Kato actually inspects their products (it’s a Japanese thing.)
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Easy to lay - as long as your chosen track plan can be laid with standard track sections.
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Better choice of curve radii for concentric curves - 60mm spacing instead of 51mm (2 inch.)
Cons:
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$$$$ Kato is the most expensive track system available.
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Availability. You might have to put the world on hold while waiting for that one essential section to come in off backorder.
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Proper spiral easements into curves, and proper vertical easements at the ends of grades, just aren’t available. This problem, common to all makes of sectional track, results in a toy-train sideways lurch where curve meets tangent.
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The plastic roadbed causes difficulty when you want to model passenger stations, freight platforms or other structures that are close to the tracks and are supposed to match either rail or car-floor height. Building locations have to be built up to appropriate height, which isn’t as easy when the roadbed is plastic and integral with the rails and ties.
Some people swear by Kato Unitrack. Others swear at it. I simply ignore it, but I have more than half a century of tracklaying experience, everything from sectional track to hand-laid with four spikes in every tie.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with flex track and ha
Chuck, you are correct on nearly every point you make. I am currently using Kato on a “temporary” layout, but once I’m settled into a new residence, I will revert to Atlas flex and Atlas and Peco turnouts.
I find that Kato’s rigidity restricts how I lay out my yards and terminals. I also find that the #4 switches, (turnouts), are sharper than Atlas #4, even with Athearn BB 40’ and 50’ transition era freight cars.
I somewhat resolved the spiral easement problem by leading the curve with the next wider radius curve section, which does ease the lurching. On the positive side, the “spring switch” feature built in to the #6 frog switches, (turnouts), also works with DCC and not just DC, and makes runaround moves easier. I have also moified Atlas sectional sections to accept Kato joiners, which helps transition to sections built with Atlas c-83 products.
Kato does market several “starter” sets so one can try the system out without making a massive investment. I’m not sorry I tried it, and I’m not dis-satisfied using it for now, but probably not on the next one.
Joe
If you have settled on using a “sectional track on plastic roadbed” then KATO is the best choice. It is the best for ease of assembly and electrical connectivity.than any of the other brands available. As stated before, it is the most expensive…but you get what you pay for as the saying goes.
HI THERE
I have the HO KATO TRACK & LOVE IT !
THERE ARE A FEW TRACK PIECES MISSING !
A GRADE CROSSING !
GRADUATED ELEVATION TRESTLE PIERS !
BRIDGES !
Uncoupler track sections !
If you plan on running passenger cars from Walthers , you need to buy 26"radius curves !
You should purchase RR TRACK SOFTWARE or the ANYRAIL TRACK SOFTWARE !
I have the Anyrail Software !
You can use Cork to bring up the buildings if need be !
Dont be affraid to make custom pieces of track if need be
As some else stated You could Mix ATLAS CODE 83 track with the kato track !
I have designed layouts for a 5’ by 12’ layout if you are interested ?
Just email me !
It’s not that hard to raise the buildings etc. a little where needed. Woodland Scenics 1/2" sheet foam comes up to about track level if you want to have a team track area or something with the track being level to the surrounding area.
I would recommend Kato, I’m using on my currently under-construction layout. The HO line isn’t as extensive as the N scale line, but it’s still pretty complete. I like the fact that you can click the track together and test things out before making it permanent.
I am debating using Kato Unitrack for me new N Scale Layout as well. Thanks for the tips and point. Jon