Hey all, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to mix KATO UNITRACK #6 switches and atlas flextrack (n scale, code 80). I was originally going to build with only unitrack but after seeing the wonders of flextrack I thought it might be a good idea to use it. I wanted to use my unitrack turnouts because the work well, and I shouldn't put them to waste. Is this a good idea? will it look good, I am concerned that the difference in tie size and spacing would be a problem.
Thanks in advance!
It would be a good idea if the cost of replacing those switches with something more easily mated to flex track is prohibitive for you. It can be done, but many of us would not, probably just for the ease of 'assembly'.
The trick will be to match the roadbed for the flex and get the flex to join nicely 'at grade' without it all looking contrived, jury-rigged, toylike....take your pick of descriptors. The turnouts shouldn't the the high ground, with all the flex rising to meet the end of the rails on the turnouts like a series of high-level grade crossings. If cork roadbed fixes that for you, maybe with some sanding or shimming as the need might be, then all you need is to use joiners as the Kato turnouts permit.
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WS
Depends on your experience level working with track. Kato makes a huge number of different pieces for N scale - single track, double track, many curves, bridges etc. - that result in a nearly "bulletproof" layout. Flextrack can be great for allowing freedom in your trackage, but it's not especially easy to work. You need to cut the ends flush at joints, put down roadbed, ballast the track, fix the track when the weather changes and the joints kink, etc.
SaladHey all, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to mix KATO UNITRACK #6 switches and atlas flextrack (n scale, code 80).
I mixed Atlas Flextrack, N Scale, Code 80, with a Kato Unitrack double crossover.
I did not have any problems. I was able, with a little work, to get Atlas rail joiners onto the Kato sides, and I was able to fill in the roadbed height so there were no issues. You need to remove the Kato joiners.
After ballasting the flex track and adding some side ballast to the Kato crossover, it's nearly impossible to tell the difference.
York1 John
I think Atlas code 80 and Unitrack look fine together. The Woodland Scenics foam roadbed with Atlas code 80 is just about a perfect match in height. You might not get the ballast to match perfectly, but it's not unusual for a turnout to look slightly different anyway. As far as tie spacing, while different, they are close enough to my eye that it's not noticeable.
sandjam Why not use Kato flex and the conversion track? http://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/flexible.html
Kato hasn't been selling their own flex track for very long (they actually used to sell Atlas flex track but now they are selling their own), so many people don't yet know about it. It looks a lot like Atlas, so I would imagine it would work about the same, although I would expect the tie spacing to match Unitrack.
I wouldn't bother with the conversion piece (it was actually designed to connect Kato to Tomix), I just remove the Unijoiners and attach the Atlas directly to the Unitrack.