Scenario: You get to be in charge of Kato long enough to add three new N Scale parts to the Unitrack line-up - what would they be? A quick word of praise to Kato for their carefully thought out and useful current line-up of parts. Apparently, their double crossover is the 9th Wonder of the World. :thumbs_up: Regards ---
I'd add a new line of Unitrack featuring North American tie spacing and code 55 rail. I'd also add #8 turnouts and straight sections in 3' lengths.
1: A No.6 turnout that gives the same double track spacing as the No.4. 2: A crossing to match No.4 turnouts. 3: 481mm radius curves in 30 deg lengths with matching 514mm radius to do double track. I can think of a heap of other things, but that'll do for a start.
I wonder if there's any way of guessing just how many people would choose Unitrack if they had a second line in Code 55 rail with North American tie spacing? Sounds like it might open the floodgates! 1. Wye switch(es) 2. More large radius curve choices 3. More crossings between 15 and 90 degrees How dumb am I? Three just ain't enough 4. Turntable (why didn't I think of that?) 5. #10 and larger turnouts (wow, more real estate than I have) 6. and on and on and on - should've said "30 parts" LOL
Sooo, Night Flyer - are you really a Kato marketing exec looking for new ideas? 1) Fix the #4 turnouts so I don't have to 2) Curved turnouts in genneral 3) Outside concentric curves for thier 28" with decent spacing for long passenger cars. An inexpensive cattenary system.
Ill put my vote in for larger radius curves. If they made say a range of curves with 18-24" rad., I would have used Kato track on my new layout, regardles of code or tie spacing. Code 55 and N American ties (wood or cement) would be a big bonus though.
Hey Steve !!! If ONLY I were a Kato Mktg Exec - huzzah ! I'd take that job for 9 bucks and hour plus 1/4 of a percent of the new profits I brought in during the next five years, then retire to full time model railroading (if that can be called "retiring"). I'd go up to the podium, take off a shoe, and start pounding on the wood " you. . .people. . .in. . .design. . .and. . .manufacturing. . . get. . .ready. . .for. . .some. . .serious. . .overtime !!! " Maybe it's just me being new and excited, but it seems like Kato is sitting on a Comstock Lode of potential corporate profit and customer happiness, if only . . . Well, you said "curved turnouts" - amen to that! Fix the #4 turnout - I've read some of your posts (and others) on dealing with that one. Isn't it strange the #6 and the double crossover are so great but the #4 is still a problem? And more curve radiusses. . .radii. . .whatever. . . would be nice. How about Unitrack ballasted flextrack?
Hi Dave !!! I'm real new at this, but quickly came to a similar conclusion as you - Unitrack for N Scale needs additional large radius curve track to choose from. Personally, I was leaning towards 17 inch and 21 inch right away, cause then we'd have 15 - 17 - 19 - 21 to work with. Plus the 17" would fit (kinda tight) on a 36" hollow core door, for instance; and the 21" would fit easily on 4' by 8'. But I'd wish for more up to and past the 28" too. Regards ---
Ok here goes: #1 A Y switch. #2 A double slip cross over switch. #3 Curved switches. Bonus wish, he he he ... #4 Turntable with indexing and motor option. US prototype of course.
I've been requesting new track products thru the Kato website for several years. The three items I would (and have) request: 1). 17" radius curves 2). 21" radius curves 3). 26" radius curves Bonus request would be to fix the tie spacing to American prototype.
You are 100 percent correct. Despite a comprehensive understanding of statistics I hoose to dream, buy lottery tickets, and believe that maybe Kato will make additions to thier track sellection. Hey, what do I know?
1. Large Radii 2. Turnouts with leads to run leds off of 3. bridge track (non-ballasted, cut to lenght). can also be used for street or concrete pads.
3' flexitrack please, Fleischman can do it and their track is very similar to kato. A double slip please the super crossover would be even better if only two switches moved at a time.
I am with those who want to expand the turnout line and add long straight pieces. I wouldn't mind seeing some super radius pieces like Atlas has on their C55 line either. But what really would juice sales is if they either left the ties lower so we could ballast better, or even better, somehow molded the ballast in some kind of softer, more realistic material.
