Kato unitrack radius

[ek2000]

Hi guys, im confused with katos unitrack specs and would like some input on something very elementary. I'm used to bachmanns specification - 11.25 inch curve etc. I see kato has a radius and degree. What do they mean? I'd like to buy the equivalent of a bachmann 15" track in Kato, does anyone know what it would be? Thank you!

[wcfn100]

Hi guys, im confused with katos unitrack specs and would like some input on something very elementary. I'm used to bachmanns specification - 11.25 inch curve etc. I see kato has a radius and degree. What do they mean? I'd like to buy the equivalent of a bachmann 15" track in Kato, does anyone know what it would be? Thank you!

The degree is just how many pieces make a circle.  15º is 24 pieces, 30º is 12 pieces etc...  Bachmann will have that too even if they don't list it.

If this is what you are comparing to:



I'd say that's 6 pieces to a half circle or 30º.

Jason

[ek2000]

The degree is just how many pieces make a circle.  15º is 24 pieces, 30º is 12 pieces etc...  Bachmann will have that too even if they don't list it.

Jason

Thank you Jason. So when a mfg states that a loco will handle 11.25 " curve, what would the equivalent of that be in Kato? I want to go with large curves and thinking 15" . I see kato unitrak with 15" but also a radii specification so somewhat confused.

[wcfn100]

Thank you Jason. So when a mfg states that a loco will handle 11.25 " curve, what would the equivalent of that be in Kato? I want to go with large curves and thinking 15" . I see kato unitrak with 15" but also a radii specification so somewhat confused.

Kato track is listed with the radius in millimeters and (~inches) and then the degree of curvature.

So the 381mm (15") Radius 30º should be about the same as the Bachmann.

Jason

[nscalbitz]

Usually a helpful source:

https://www.fiferhobby.com/making-kato-unitrack-curves-using-multiple-sizes-2/

cheers d

[Point353]

Hi guys, im confused with katos unitrack specs and would like some input on something very elementary. I'm used to bachmanns specification - 11.25 inch curve etc. I see kato has a radius and degree. What do they mean? I'd like to buy the equivalent of a bachmann 15" track in Kato, does anyone know what it would be? Thank you!

See page 2 of this document: http://www.katousa.com/PDF/Ntrack.pdf

[ek2000]

Thank you all. Very helpful ! I was able to place a well informed order for the curved sections I needed

[glakedylan]

if this has already been noted i apologize


bachmann radius is 15.5"
kato radius is 15" there is a 1/2" difference
they are not 1:1 compatible


just making sure that is not lost in the
explanations of what radius is and the degrees as well


sincerely
Gary

[ek2000]

if this has already been noted i apologize


bachmann radius is 15.5"
kato radius is 15" there is a 1/2" difference
they are not 1:1 compatible


just making sure that is not lost in the
explanations of what radius is and the degrees as well


sincerely
Gary

Thanks ! I'm looking to start afresh with kato, see how it stacks against bachmann.

[dem34]

Thanks ! I'm looking to start afresh with kato, see how it stacks against bachmann.

Oh you are in for a full enlightenment, just keep clear of Kato's #4 turnouts.

[ek2000]

Oh you are in for a full enlightenment, just keep clear of Kato's #4 turnouts.

Fortunately I ordered only #6 turnouts. Whats the issue with #4s. I expected 'kato quality' to extend to the unitrak track system, does it not?

[dem34]

Fortunately I ordered only #6 turnouts. Whats the issue with #4s. I expected 'kato quality' to extend to the unitrak track system, does it not?

Overall they work within the Unitrak system as any other, but the diverging point rails are blunt and there is no notch in the stock rail. #6s are the same way, but the smaller diverging radius of the #4s exacerbate the issues associated with it. Quick fix but a pita.

[DKS]

Overall they work within the Unitrak system as any other, but the diverging point rails are blunt and there is no notch in the stock rail.

Hmmm. Not my #4s. They've all been pretty much flawless. Only issue I have with them is how easily the mechanism can get gummed up (actually, pretty much any Unitrack turnout). One of the oddly nice things about the Bachmann track: the turnout mechanisms are surprisingly robust. They use a rack and pinion drive to move the points. Pretty much bullet proof. But their turnout range leaves a lot to be desired, and they have plastic frogs, etc., etc. Nobody's perfect.

[ek2000]

Hmmm. Not my #4s. They've all been pretty much flawless. Only issue I have with them is how easily the mechanism can get gummed up (actually, pretty much any Unitrack turnout). One of the oddly nice things about the Bachmann track: the turnout mechanisms are surprisingly robust. They use a rack and pinion drive to move the points. Pretty much bullet proof. But their turnout range leaves a lot to be desired, and they have plastic frogs, etc., etc. Nobody's perfect.

I guess mileage varies here as with any other. My bachmann turnouts are a hit/miss. Those that work fine out the box havent lasted long enough. Not sure if thats just my luck with them. I was hoping to have a much better experience with Kato's track system but now so sure about that anymore reading these experiences.

[Mark5]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Kato track - in terms of ease of use and reliability it has no peer in terms of roadbed track.

Most modelers tend to avoid #4 turnouts as that is more of a trainset size turnout and larger equipment tends not to like #4s (regardless of manufacturer).

Mark