I'd like to buy some Kato Unitrack and at least be able to run some trains once in a while. To start, I'd like to use four 90-degree crossings and make a "double diamond" and have a double track figure eight. I'm looking for some insight into track pieces required. I've found what's required to make a single track 8. I've found Kato's instructions for the four crossings to make the double diamond. What's missing in my mind is what's required for the next larger radius outer track. Are the straight sections the same due to the offset from the additional crossings? Different? Etc. Same as above, but what if I replace the first and last sections of the curved track with the next higher radius to provide an easement? The inner loop would be "R" with "R+1" sections in and out. The outer loop would be "R+1" with "R+2" in and out. I'm very new to Kato's Unitrack and have to mail order it all, so don't want to be sitting around waiting for one last little bit to arrive. Thanks!
Download XtrakCAD. It's a free track design software. It has a complete library of Kato tracks as well as other manufacturers. You can then play around with what fits and what doesn't and final size. When done you can get an itemized list of what's needed with Kato part numbers. https://xtrkcad-fork.sourceforge.net/Wikka/HomePage
Ditto on XtrakCAD. It's what I use. It includes a library of symbols for Unitrack, and gives you a BOM for the track pieces you need. Regarding a doubletracked figure 8, keep in mind the outer track on one end of the 8 connects to the inner track on the other side of the diamond (crossing). To develop a suggested layout, we need to know the available space for this layout. 2x4 ft? 4x8 ft? Interior hollow core door (24", 30", or 36" x 80"). One user here actually used a pre-hung interior door, with the door frame bolted to the wall (hinge side out and down), and lightweight chains on each end to support the door in the open (horizontal) position. Sorry I can't remember the name of the modeler (or much else these days...) so I apologize to him in advance. For a ground level figure 8 with crossing at grade, you cannot run a train longer than will fit on either end. I would recommend using Kato doubletrack pieces, though the crossing requires 4 single track 90 degree crossings, and you may need other single-track pieces to get the lengths from curve to crossing correct. The DT curves are superelevated (banked slightly), and thus require the transition pieces to connect to level (crosswise) double track straights.
And @LTCTerry, if it ends up that you need to cut some sections of Unitrak to custom lengths to achieve a perfect fit, it is fairly easy. I worked about a half dozen of these on my layout.
Superelevated double track concrete tie pieces with an over/under figure 8? That would be a no-brainer if the loops were symmetrical.
That be me... It did work great for the bedroom where space constraints necessitated something different. It worked simple enough. Pull the plug where the latch should go. Drop it down. Run trains. When done fold it back up.
Thanks Mtn, I was hoping you'd see my post and follow up for me, again! Now, just maybe, I can remember that you're the same published modeler with the converted RV for a mobile train room. Now THAT's pure genius!
