Help using Kato Unitrack w/ Atlas Turntable

Cruikshank Dec 30, 2004

  1. Cruikshank

    Cruikshank TrainBoard Member

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    I just purchased an Atlas Turntable, all of my other track is Kato Unitrack. I did buy Kato Snaptrack to Unitrack conversion pieces. What is the best way to run track up to this unit. They talk alot of wiring in the instructions but little about how to run track up to it. Thanks in Advance for any feedback. Dave
     
  2. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Dave:

    Use 4 5/8 " Atlas snaptrack followed by a Kato conversion piece. The Code 80 Atlas track will fit into the notches on the turntable and then will slide into the Kato conversion track.

    Stay cool and run steam..... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  3. Cruikshank

    Cruikshank TrainBoard Member

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    Must I put cork or something similar under the Altas pieces ? Thanks, Dave
     
  4. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Dave:

    I would just add ballast underneath the Atlas snap track.

    I actually added some styrene pieces under the snap track vertically and placed ballast under the ties.


    All the ballast was sprayed a grimy black.


    I used Atlas snaptrack for my CMR turntable which connected to the Kato conversion pieces.

    You can see the snaptrack leading to the turntable and the Kato conversion pieces as well in the photo's below:

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    Stay cool and run steam... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  5. jacobmarley

    jacobmarley TrainBoard Member

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    Dave, we must be on the same wavelength. I just bought an Atlas turntable as well, and use Unitrack. I haven't designed my yard yet, but I'm collecting pieces for it. My LHS guy said basically the same thing as Bob. Use pieces of code 80 connected to the conversion track. He suggested using pieces of flex track cut to shorter dimensions, since I have a lot of it. Although I prefer the readymade pieces since you don't have to remove the end ties to join it. If you want to shim the track, they say that the table is the same height as the cork roadbed.

    If you have any pictures of your plan and on how you're using it, where it fits in your scheme and all, I'd like to see it. I'm thinking of just copying one of John Armstrong's plans from the "Realistic Operations" book for mine, but I'm still open to new ideas.
     
  6. SmolderZ

    SmolderZ TrainBoard Member

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    I ordered some Micro Engineering Code 55 Flextrack and I'm going to try to mate it up with the Kato Conversion Track, I'm not sure if this will work, does anyone have experience with combining the kato code 80 with code 55 track?
     
  7. pilotdude

    pilotdude TrainBoard Member

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    Bob,

    How do you like your CMR turntable? What motor do you use?
     
  8. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Stan:

    I like the CMR turntable. It was fun to build and add to the layout. The CMR kit took about 18 hours to finish and weather. I did a pictorial tutorial on building the kit in the N scale forum.

    I have a Berkshire Junction Motor kit.This meets my needs.


    Stay cool and run steam...... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  9. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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  10. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    The finished CMR turntable on the JJJ&E:


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Stay cool and run steam.... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     
  11. pilotdude

    pilotdude TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Bob, I have been thinking at some point I'd like one of these so I appreciate your input and info on this!

    You did a very nice job finishing the turntable.
     
  12. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Stan:

    If you need any help with the turntable kit, let me know.

    The tutuorial is pretty self explanatory but there are some tricky parts that might prove to be frustrating.

    Stay cool and run steam..... [​IMG] :cool: :cool:
     

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