I have a question and it is strictly because I am not familiar with the products. I believe that people entering the hobby or starting a new layout may have the same type of questions, but then again maybe not. This has to do with Kato "Unitrack" and the others like it. For the past 26 years I have done most if not all of my track laying using Flex Track. At times I may use a piece (not the full length) of sectional, straight or 19 inch radius, at the switches and solder the flex to it. I do not solder to my switches. I use Flex Track because I am not confined to preset radius's that sectional track would limit me to. For example Atlas sectional comes in 9.75, 11, and 19 inch radius, some times you may find 1/2 lengths. Due to the requirements of my current layout I have for the most part a minimum radius of 15 inches. Using sectional track the minimum radius would be 11. I can cut down on the number of rail joints needed as compared to sectional track I cut down on the solder joints needed to make sure that I have good electrical flow between the sections Besides The ease of putting down track No roadbed needed what are the other benefits of using a product like the Kato "Unitrack"? Does "Unitrack" and the others like it restrict what radius's you can use? Do they have a greater selection of radius available then the few that is available with the normal sectional track so that you can get the radius your track plan needs? If "Unitrack" and the others like it restricts what radius's you can use like the Atlas sectional track, are you not designing the track plan based on the restrictions of track and not laying the track based on the track plan? Yes I realize that Flex track has its restrictions along with the track plan, like being restricted to the size of the bench work. I ask these questions because I do not know. All I know about "Unitrack" and the others like it, is that a lot of people rave about these types of products. I do not wish to start a big debate here between the users of Flex Track and the users of products like Kato "Unitrack." Gary
I went with unitrack because it is quick and easy, gives flawless performance, can easily change track layout. Can be ballasted to look ad good as other track.
Fellow member Mike Fifer made this chart which shows how staggering different Unitrack pieces can achieve nearly any radius. Making Kato Unitrack Curves Using Multiple Sizes
Gary, it is not only the ease of putting down the track, but the flawlessness of the connections as well. Coming into the hobby, Unitrack (and others like it) allow the hobbyist to focus on the trains and scenery, and not so much the detail of the track. It is a convenience factor which, in the case of Unitrack, is coupled with an excellent product. There are definitely downsides and compromises, but IMHO, the benefits far outweigh them.
I love Unitrak and it's a lot more flexible than a lot of people are willing to give it credit for. The link to Mike Fifer's curve chart is awesome!
Gary It is also possible to cut and resection any size radius curves to achieve a degree angle of less than the 15 degrees (smallest degree angle available using unmodified sections). Further it is possible to modify straight track in order to arrive at a custom length. When using CAD programs you then insert a piece of flex track to simulate the modified piece of sectional track. There are differences in Unitrack (sectional track) and flex track that make using each type appropriate in various situations; even on the same layout. Like Rick I was not ready to try my hand at using flex track. I have achieved trouble free operations using Unitrack by avoiding certain pitfalls. With this knowledge I will be better prepared to use flex track on future layouts. Jerry
My experiment with "Unitrack".............. Not necessarily all about "Unitrack"..............just another experience with it. I am getting ready to add a 5 or 6 track staging yard to my "Unitrack" layout, and have decided to go with "Unitrack" turnouts (#6), and Code 80 Atlas flex-track, with HO cork ( to help with the shimming issue ). I'm going this route to cut cost, & as an experiment. The Code 80 & the "Unitrack" can work together easily, with very little modification.
I will be going the same rout for cost and visual difference reasons. I want the yard / staging area to have a significant "oh" visual reaction to give it a greater feel of different area. I may also use flex track with Unitrak turnouts in the expansion area. Key word "may".
