Kato Unitrack minimum radius for N-gauge

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Kato Unitrack and what minimum radius is acceptable without causing problems. I purchased some samples to see first hand and the 13 3/4in appears to be acceptable. The size higher jumps to 30 or 15 degree and I was hoping to stay with 45. The track looks well constructed although a bit expensive. I like the hidden switch on the turnouts. Any info would be appreciated.....

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Kato Unitrack and what minimum radius is acceptable without causing problems. I purchased some samples to see first hand and the 13 3/4in appears to be acceptable. The size higher jumps to 30 or 15 degree and I was hoping to stay with 45. The track looks well constructed although a bit expensive. I like the hidden switch on the turnouts. Any info would be appreciated.....

[Jacktal]

It all depends on what you want to operate on your layout.I don't know about Unitrack but generally speaking,a four axle loco will do well on radiuses as small as 9 3/4(Atlas min. "N" rad.).If you're planning on using 6 axle locos for instance,many will negociate such a small radius but won't look very good at it.A 13 3/4 in. radius is definitely acceptable for most diesels but the longer units as SD-90s and such,as well as steamers,will look much better on even greater radius curves.

[Jacktal]

It all depends on what you want to operate on your layout.I don't know about Unitrack but generally speaking,a four axle loco will do well on radiuses as small as 9 3/4(Atlas min. "N" rad.).If you're planning on using 6 axle locos for instance,many will negociate such a small radius but won't look very good at it.A 13 3/4 in. radius is definitely acceptable for most diesels but the longer units as SD-90s and such,as well as steamers,will look much better on even greater radius curves.

[AltonFan]

I used the Kato Unitrack for a temporary "test track" layout for a few years. The track came from the K1, K2, and K3 sets. In general, I had no problem running most of my stuff on the 12 3/8" curves that came with the K1 set, but I later got some 15" radius curves. My Life-Like SD-7s ran fine, but the ConCor PA-1s were cramped, and made noise. A Bachmann 4-4-0 always derailed on the Kato turnouts. (The turnouts need to be on a level base. They have problems if the subroadbed is warped.) For a quick, temporary set-up, I like the Kato track.

The number you need to watch is the curve radius, not the degrees. The degrees only tell you how much of a circle each curved section represents. (You will need 12 15-degree sections to make a half-circle, or 4 45-degree sections, or 6 30-degree sections, etc.)

Since I want to run full-length passenger cars, big steam, and ALCo PA-1s, I opt for the broadest curves I can get.

Also, beware that minimum radius may effect which Micro-Trains coupler conversions you use. Several kits require a longer-shank coupler for tighter curves.

[AltonFan]

I used the Kato Unitrack for a temporary "test track" layout for a few years. The track came from the K1, K2, and K3 sets. In general, I had no problem running most of my stuff on the 12 3/8" curves that came with the K1 set, but I later got some 15" radius curves. My Life-Like SD-7s ran fine, but the ConCor PA-1s were cramped, and made noise. A Bachmann 4-4-0 always derailed on the Kato turnouts. (The turnouts need to be on a level base. They have problems if the subroadbed is warped.) For a quick, temporary set-up, I like the Kato track.

The number you need to watch is the curve radius, not the degrees. The degrees only tell you how much of a circle each curved section represents. (You will need 12 15-degree sections to make a half-circle, or 4 45-degree sections, or 6 30-degree sections, etc.)

Since I want to run full-length passenger cars, big steam, and ALCo PA-1s, I opt for the broadest curves I can get.

Also, beware that minimum radius may effect which Micro-Trains coupler conversions you use. Several kits require a longer-shank coupler for tighter curves.