I just did the sums...if you went to the store and paid list price for the KATO components off the shelf, it would cost you just under $800.
So, it's not actually that bad of a deal.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
Here's my take (for what it's worth...)
I got some N scale Unitrack to replace a slightly kinked section of flextrack in a tunnel (thankfully I had plenty of access). There is a part where it sticks out of the portal about an inch. By the time I painted, weathered, and then very, very carefully ballasted it to match the rest of the track, I could simply have laid and ballasted regular track. Is it reliable? Yes. Is it worth the price? I don't really think so, but that's me.
Two observations:
1. The tie spacing in N scale is even wider than Atlas code 80. Likewise, the tie spacing on HO Unitrack is far wider even than Atlas code 100.
2. The joints are no smoother (and in some cases, more rough) than the joints I can achieve using regular Atlas track.
I was infatuated with the idea of using Unitrack for my next layout until I got some and tried it. I wasnj't as impressed as I thought I'd be. Considering what it would cost (over $1000 at least) to do a moderate-sized N scale layout with a double track mainline, and sacrificing spiral easements (I know you can "fudge" them using broader radii), it just isn't worth it to me. My regular cheap-o Atlas and Peco track work looks as good (better, actually) and works nearly as well. I don't mind trading time for cash.
My ...
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
It is pricey, but I think that MR did a VERY good job with this particular plan.
It beats having to search out each and every section of track that this plan calls for.
The only problem I have with this particular product is that you are limited in radius of curves. What happens if you wanted to make the curves 26" on the inside and a bit over 28" on the outside using Kato Track? Or whatever larger or smaller radius that might be availible on Kato Track.
Kato track has always been expensive. It does include the roadbed. And it is supposed to be very well made, but you pay for it.
Enjoy
Paul
Loathar,
There's a similar thread over on the Layout forum with the same thoughts that you have expressed:
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1010695/ShowPost.aspx
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
http://www.internethobbies.com/kahounblriju.html
I'm no Kato expert, but $850 list and $689 on sale for track only? Isn't that quite high? Plus additional shipping because their calling 13lbs. "heavy weight". You can buy a WS all in one layout with base,track,buildings,details and scenery for about $200 more.
I was under the impression that the unitrack was kind of toy like. But like I said I don't know much about Kato. Just did a triple take when I saw the price.