Hey Folks,
Over on the Yahoo Unitrack group a gentleman by the name of David posted the following:
"I use HO Kato Unitrack for my layout. I recently purchased one of the BLI 2-8-0 locomotives (the GN one). Much to my dismay, it tended to derail on the 19" curves. The problem was that the rear drivers would ride up on the rail joiners, get on top of the rail, then derail.
I sent it back to BLI under warranty. They could not find any problem, but said the wheel gauge might be a little tight, so they loosened it. The loco will now go through 19" radius curves without derailing, although it does make a thumping sound at the joiners. However, it now derails at turnouts about 25% of the time.I'm still trying to figure this out, but I would not recommend these locos if you use Kato Unitrack."
My intention is to use Unitrack on a small layout, and one of the locomotives will include a BLI H10 2-8-0. I am writing to David as well, but was wondering if anyone else here has encountered this.
Thanks in advance for any insight you may provide.
Chris Ballinger
Modeling the Clementon Branch of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in HO scale
I have used Uni-track in the past, and had problems with #4 switches. However, never a problem with #6 switches. I have operated BLI 2-10-0s and 4-8-4s over Kato #6 switches and 21-7/8" curves without a problem.
Part of the issue is that the KATO Unitrack #4 is a true #4 frog, not #4½ like an Atlas custom line #4 switch. There is less tolerance for larger scale equipment.
The 19" radius curves are really no different than 18" rdius Atlas snap track curves, again, significantly less tolerance for larger cars and locos.
If you can use the 21+" curves or better yet the 24" curves and the KATO #6 switches,on your planned layout you should have virtually trouble free operation from your BLI H10, 2-8-0.
I have the BLI 2-8-0 and have unitrack #4 switches and I have no problem. I also have 19" curves. The problem has to lay with the locomotive or the way the track is laid out if it keeps derailing on the curves or the switches.
The MTH triplex which is a 2-8-8-8-2 has no problems with the #4 switches On my layout.
I imagine if the engine has trouble with 19"R curves, it doesn't matter what type of track. I'd have to check BLI website, but I wouldn't be surprised if these aren't recommended for 22"R curves.
The 2-8-0 is rated for 18" as it should be.