Author Topic: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?  (Read 2696 times)

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Paradise275

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What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« on: May 08, 2017, 10:57:54 AM »
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We have a portion of the layout that is hidden and, because the building is not heated above 10 degrees Celsius in the winter flex track heave is hard to get at areas.
Also its easier to get prober radius' in hard to get at areas.
The track is being laid over 1/2" soft board overlaid with cork. I though of using finishing nails glued into the small holes on the back of the Unitrack and pressed into the underlay. That way there could be some movement. It will not be ballasted.

Any ideas?

Rick
 

RBrodzinsky

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Re: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2017, 11:46:38 AM »
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Try using a hot-glue gun along the base of the unitrack
Rick Brodzinsky
Chief Engineer - JACALAR Railroad
Silicon Valley FreeMo-N

shark_jj

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Re: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2017, 04:31:24 PM »
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Hi Rick, we used Unitrack for the helix on Ken's layout (HO).  We affixed it with a thin bead of silicone caulk underneath the outer edges.  It hasn't moved in 18 months.  If we ever need to remove it, you can just slide a utility knife under the edge.  Give me a call if you want to look at it.

John
John

randgust

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Re: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2017, 04:52:03 PM »
0
I'm doing five T-trak modules of various configurations.

I've drilled through the 'holes' underneath Unitrack with a .035 drill in a pin vise to expose them on the top.    I put the track on the plywood subroadbed, and drill once again through the top down into the subroadbed, then tap in a standard track nail using a nail set, snug but not deformed.   The drilling positions it exactly where you want it and eliminates nail bending over or shifting.   It's still pretty easy to pull out the nails with flush cutters if you have to, but you won't see any movement or shifting for sure.

I evolved this primarily because I didn't want to be blackmailed on the custom mounting screws.

Once I've assembled and tested the modules, and am SURE I've got everything where I want it, I'm pulling the nails, putting a line of contact cement around the base, glueing it down once and for all, and putting in the nails only on the end pieces for strength.

I also paint and ballast Unitrack.

To be perfectly honest, the only thing I love about it is the edge joint connectors- I do all other trackage in Peco C55 on cork.

Paradise275

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Re: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2017, 06:45:33 PM »
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Thanks Guys for the tips.
I didn't know Kato had custom screws for the track but I wouldn't use it anyway. No-one will see it.
Randgust, we use Peco code 55 track as well.
Drilling through the small holes in the bottom is a good idea too. Because the track is being laid over a soft board I may just continue my idea of clipping the heads off 3/4" finishing nails and putting them in the hole with a dab of glue. Then I can just press them to the soft board. They won't move. If I have to I can used dabs of silicon as well.

Thanks again

Rick

hminky

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Re: What is the best way to afix Kato Unitrack?
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2017, 06:55:58 PM »
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