N Scale Kato Track Layout

[Freight Train]

Been kicking around a ideal of building a small N scale layout on foam board using Kato track for mobility. Been looking at the layout diagrams on Kato's site and found one I like which is based off of a older Atlas track plan ( N-7 Up & Over Via Twice Around ). The Kato plan is called Burbank & Babylon Railroad. Upon looking at the picture diagram doesn't quite match up with the parts diagram ? The picture diagram shows a deck girder bridge where as the parts diagram shows a single track trust bridge ? The deck I think is 7 15/16" and the trust is 9 3/4" . The other discrepancy is the parts list shows 8 pieces of R282 at 45° curves (11" curves) and the picture diagram shows 8 pieces of R249 at 45° curves ( 9 3/4" curves). No where on the picture diagram shows any R282 at 45°. Their are R282 at 15° curves which are smaller sections. I'm assuming the picture diagram is correct but not completely sure ? Anyone built this layout or have a idea of which is correct between the parts & picture diagrams ?

[Freight Train]

Getting kind of dark, cold & lonely being in here by myself 😁

[mkearns]

I’m not familiar with that exact layout.

However, I am familiar with another set of Kato track plans. That one doesn’t match the advertised dimensions when it’s constructed and there is a bit of wonkiness that needs some of Kato’s smaller pieces to fix.

Bottom line: not sure I would trust any Kato plan verbatim. Try it in your favorite track planning software and/or buy the advertised pieces and experiment yourself.

[Kentuckian]

Bottom line: not sure I would trust any Kato plan verbatim. Try it in your favorite track planning software and/or buy the advertised pieces and experiment yourself.

This. One of the strengths of Kato Unitrak is its versatility. Buy the pieces and experiment on the floor or dining table. Buy both bridges and see which one fits better. You can always use the other later or sell it; there always seems to be a demand for unitrak. This will also let you run it and see how you like the operation. I do know from experience that small layouts can still be a lot of fun.

[freescopesdad]

I agree with mkearns. Perhaps try to build this with Anyrail, which has the most comprehensive and up-to-date n scale Unitrack library I've seen. Kato makes 3 different lengths of bridges, 124mm, 186mm and 248mm. The one in your picture looks like the 186 but cannot be sure.