Hi forumers,
I would like to build the layout named 2X40002 that is shown at the link copied below. The depicted layout is designed with Atlas track but I need to use KATO unitrack instead. Unfortunately, the Kato track does not line up with the Atlas track. Can anyone please help me convert the Atlas sections to unitrak sections? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Plan located here on this page: http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm
Here's the image from this webpage
As you note, plans on that page appear to be drawn using Atlas Code 80 N scale components. KATO turnouts, straights, and curves have different dimensions and will not fit exactly the same way in the same 2'X4' space, so there is no one-for-one conversion. (The turnouts and crossings may be particularly tricky.)
One approach would be to start with a bit larger area, and then you can create a simlar design with the KATO parts. Note also that the pictured layout has tracks too close to the edge of the benchwork to be practical (a problem with many plans on that site). A larger area will be helpful there as well.
Good luck with your layout.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Kato only offers 15° and 90° crossings. Unitrack is based on metric dimensions (millimeters as opposed to inches). It's a great product, but it was never intended to substitute for Atlas Snaptrack.
Strength in diversity!
Have you considered printing the Atlas design and using it as a template try to duplicate the same design in a CAD program like anyrail using unitrack?
Joe Staten Island West
Mike´s Small Trackplans page seems to be down - it just does not respond.
Does tho OP want to mix Atlas and KATO or use all KATO, which using all one kind is going to be pretty much the only way.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Atlas snap-track is set for 15", 18", 22" and 24" radius curves in HO.
Kato starts at what has long been considered the "conventional" HO curve of 24" radius. It then has larger and sharper curves, each 2-3/8" different from the next one. So it's curves sharper than 24"R are are 21-5/8", 19-1/4", 16-7/8" radius. The curves broader than 24"R are 26-3/8", 28-3/4" and 31-1/8. All track is code 83.
The only HO crossing is the 90-degree one, but you can remove the Kato joiners to use it with say Atlas code 83 track. I have an Atlas bridge using Atlas code 83 track, connected to Kato track with conventional Atlas joiners.
http://www.katousa.com/HO/Unitrack/g-single.html
Unfortunately for some reason I can't see the track plan you refer to right now so I'm kinda in the dark. But there's not going to be a big difference between a layout with 18" radius curves and one with 19-1/4", might take a little more room. If you're OK with smaller equipment, the 16-7/8"R might work too.