Kato Unitrack N Scale Track Discussion

Hardcoaler Jul 6, 2017

  1. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you. I'll give it a shot. Hopefully I won't mess up an expensive turnout. I'm also interested in seeing what comes packaged with a No. 4 turnout, as I see a number of extra pieces are included with it.
     
  2. poppy2201

    poppy2201 TrainBoard Member

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    Not true. Check out the sticky N Scale T-Trak.

    Regards,
    Charles
     
  3. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    When I ordered my small batch of N Scale Unitrack to test, I failed to include a set of Unitrack Piers (such as 23-017 or 23-047). When these are applied to a Unitrack Truss Bridge (such as 20-434) .....
    • What is the clearance from the top of the railhead on a track beneath the bridge to the underside of the truss bridge on piers? I'm trying to estimate the maximum height of equipment that can pass beneath.
    • What is the measurement from the top of the railhead on a track beneath the bridge to the top of the railhead on the truss bridge on piers? I need this to begin to calculate the gradient I'll need to reach the bridge.
    I'm estimating something like 50mm equipment clearance beneath the bridge and maybe 57mm railhead to railhead? I'm just not sure at all. I read the Sumida Crossing website page on this, but remain confused. Thanks very much!
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2017
  4. nd-rails

    nd-rails TrainBoard Member

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    DOesnt Katos own web site have full dimensions?
    Dont rely on standard parts anyway, make your own suiting the area you have.
     
  5. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    I noticed a Kato product announced on an online dealer which appears to have 17-3/4 radius 60 deg. track in a girder bridge. Has Kato developed new Unitrak curved pieces i'm not aware of?


    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
  6. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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    AFAIK, the only other Kato track pieces (thus far) with a 17-5/8" radius are the largest of the superelevated double track curves 20-185 and 20-186. The new bridges are also available individually in 15° sections, as well as in a larger 19" radius version..
     
  7. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Kato's site doesn't show the dimensions I'm seeking here. They tag the piers as "50mm (2")", but the Sumida site says that it's actually 48mm, but then I'm uncertain what the dimension refers to, i.e. height of the gray plastic only or height of the entire pier including the white piece that slides into the bridge. And 2" coverts to almost 51mm. So all-in-all, it's really hard to figure out.

    Regarding making my own parts, the truss bridge clearance is ~ 43mm to 42mm, so maybe my best bet is to chop down the height of the Kato piers to provide the same clearance under my bridges. No point in increasing my grades to a higher elevation than necessary.

    Elsewhere on the layout, I plan to cut a deck bridge to custom length.
     
  8. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    I would love to have 17-3/4" radius curves to go inside of the 19" radius.

    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
  9. nd-rails

    nd-rails TrainBoard Member

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  10. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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  11. brill27mcb

    brill27mcb TrainBoard Member

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    The clearance height under the bridge depends on what "bridge" you are talking about. They can vary, and there are also the viaduct track pieces. That being said, the only problem I have ever had hitting the bottom of a bridge or viaduct was with sprung metal pantographs that stick way up in the air. Based on that, I don't think you should have a problem with normal N rolling stock. (I just run with the "pans" down in this circumstance.)

    As far as other bridge designs, there are new pieces with curved track on straight bridge sections. Along with new support piers to go with them, they represent a particular mountain prototype in Japan. Generally, Kato has many pieces available in Japan that are not part of the Kato USA distribution inventory here in America.

    Rich K.
     
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  12. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for the link... I think I had seen it in the past... and have done this to fit unusual curve areas... but not as parallel curves. Also a concern is the electrical continueity over those fabricated curves... the less joints... the better. Cost may also be a factor since you have to get the small track assortment which isn't as good a deal as regular sectional track pieces.

    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
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  13. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    It's Friday night and I finally found the time to assemble my first test loop of Kato Unitrack. Good news and bad news; I'm hoping that y'all can help me with the latter.

    The good news is that on 11" Radius curves, everything tracks beautifully. Even with the trouble-inviting train pictured here with a SD-70MAC and a lightweight hopper followed by a gon with a very heavy weight and more cars, nothing gives a hint of wanting to derail. More testing to come. I'll have two 11" radius curves on my new layout and it'll be the tightest radius. More testing to come. Although I don't normally run 86' cars, I want to test 'em too.

    2017-11-17 DS&N Kato Unitrack Test Layout.jpg

    Now for the bad news. As you see in the photo, the points don't touch the stock rail on the straight route and cars will derail if I make a backing move when the turnout is set straight. What can I do about this? It's the diverging route stock rail that is normally notched with the modification, right? I'm afraid that if I were to notch the stock rail on the straight route, the points still wouldn't close against it. Thanks for any ideas.

    2017-11-17 Kato #4 Turnout Gap - for upload.jpg
     
  14. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I have had to notch both on some. No issues.
     
  15. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    To my eyes...it looks like that turnout may be defective !! I clicked on the photo for an expanded view. If you look at the rail from the 3rd tie back from the point it looks like that rail actually tapers from thin (3rd tie) to the point ! That just doesnt look right ! None of my 20+ Unitrack turnouts are that thick at the points...JMO
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2017
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  16. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    AND...the manual switch bottom left looks to be hard against the shoulder in that slot. That switch isnt going to move any further left to push that point rail any tighter against the stock rail. I dont think notching the stock rail or filing the point will give you the desired results you're looking for. It may be time to send that one back for a replacement...:eek::confused:
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2017
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  17. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    One thing you might try...loosen the tiny screw the red line is pointing to just a tick. That will let the point rails move a little freer. Worth a shot ;)

    [​IMG]
     
  18. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    George, that screw is only on the #6s, not #4s. And, my newer #4 points look the way that photo is (was part of Kato's "fix")
     
  19. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ahhhh...didnt notice it was a #4. Thats what I get for looking at photos at midnight and start typing....lol. Disregard my previous ramblings :sleep::sleep::sleep::sleep::sleep::sleep::sleep::sleep:
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2017
  20. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks y'all. I might phone Kato on Monday to ask them for advice or an exchange. Reading mtntrainman's post, it does seem that the pivot point for the troublesome point is too tight, more so than the other and it's true that the gap will never close because black sliding switch is at its limit.

    I suppose I could open up the switch's internals and take a look, but I don't want to tamper with it and spoil a good outcome with Kato.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2017

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