So it is true - New MR N Layout is for Kato

[chuck geiger]

Kato'ed up for sure...

[Chris333]

I like the ad where you can buy all the track to build that layout... only $760 

How to build a layout:

1. win the lottery
2. buy the layout

[tom mann]

It does look like the layout used in the Kato advertising.

[CBQ Fan]

I think there was an article in the prior month that spelled out all of the parameters for the project layout.  One of them was sectional track and I think it was supposed to be code 80.

[Dave V]

You know, it's hard for me to find anything really sinister about MR partnering with Kato on this.  Yes, one of the MR requirements for this layout was that Dick Christiansen use Kato's new double track superelevated Unitrack.

It's a neat little layout and I think it really highlights one of N scale's major strengths (modern railroading in a small space).  The price tag for the track pack is shocking, but hopefully the whole concept of the layout gets people thinking, planning, and taking N scale seriously.  You could do this plan in Atlas code 55 or ME code 55 with concrete ties and make it look even better (for starters, you could loosen up that rigid Unitrack geometry).

Nah, I'm liking MR in this case.  If partnering with Kato gets them the track, locos, and Maxi-stacks to make a nice N scale project layout, then that's fine by me.

[Big4Man]

It was obvious to me it was a KATO gift after the first few paragraphs in the 1st part of this series. Kato Track, Kato Western Scenery, Kato Western Prototype; ad nauseum. The bottom line of this is.....well, the bottom line. Kato has consistantly advertised on the inside cover of this magazine as far back as I can remember. You pay the $$$, you get the perks.
  Now if MR really wanted to show what N-scale is capable of, they would have a feature layout with Chris333's beautifully handlayed turnouts and being run by one or two of Ednadloski's super-detailed lokeys.  
but I digress....

It's all good!

Dan

[Zox]

Now if MR really wanted to show what N-scale is capable of, they would have a feature layout with Chris333's beautifully handlayed turnouts and being run by one or two of Ednadloski's super-detailed lokeys.

And after that series, 90 percent of N-scalers, and about 50 percent of HO-scalers, would quit the hobby, having lost all hope of ever being able to build "a layout like that one in the magazine."

[GaryHinshaw]

I agree with Dave that this series serves a useful function.  I also agree that the Unitrack geometry is way too rigid for this type of setting, but I totally like the super-elevation in the March issue's opening tunnel shot (which features Walthers' double-stack gear, not Kato's, BTW).

[SkipGear]

More power to them. Unitrak has saved 5 customers at our store this season that were in process of building N scale layouts. They got started and realized; they couldn't stand Bachmann EZ track, were afraid to ballast snap track, and had zero skill for laying flex track, let alone the idea of handlaying track. They were ready to give up and I showed them Unitrak. Three of the five layouts are up and running already. All of these customers would have quit if it wasn't for Unitrak.

Unitrak isn't pretty but it does work, and it works well. For those without the skill or patients to learn to lay track properly, it allows them to build a functioning layout in a relatively short period of time.

[oakcreekco]

More power to them. Unitrak has saved 5 customers at our store this season that were in process of building N scale layouts. They got started and realized; they couldn't stand Bachmann EZ track, were afraid to ballast snap track, and had zero skill for laying flex track, let alone the idea of handlaying track. They were ready to give up and I showed them Unitrak. Three of the five layouts are up and running already. All of these customers would have quit if it wasn't for Unitrak.

Unitrak isn't pretty but it does work, and it works well. For those without the skill or patients to learn to lay track properly, it allows them to build a functioning layout in a relatively short period of time.

And that's what keeps the hobby going. Good products, good marketing. Can't knock them for that

[Chris333]

I have nothing against unitrack, but dang it sure is an expensive way to get into the hobby.

And yes it just has to be better than Bachmann's EZ track.

[SkipGear]

There are a lot of people out there, that unlike us, have more money than time. The time saved by using Unitrak is worth more to them than the cost of the track.

[FrankCampagna]

There are a lot of people out there, that unlike us, have more money than time. The time saved by using Unitrak is worth more to them than the cost of the track.

Absolutely true. Beside, after a while, some of them are going to look at it and say, "Hmmm, that doesn't look quite right." Then they start looking at real track and trains, get out some paint, scenery material, and whatever, and start on the road to more realistic modeling. Model railroading is a journey with many paths to heaven.

Frank

[Philip H]

My friend Shaun is building a version of this layout using his existing supply of Unitrack:

http://www.upmodelrailroad.com/

Given that he lost his job, moved home, pays rent and a mortgage in Houston, I'd say that using his existing track to build this railroad has kept him in the hobby.  Can't fault MR or Kato for that!

[John]

Unitrak isn't pretty but it does work, and it works well. For those without the skill or patients to learn to lay track properly, it allows them to build a functioning layout in a relatively short period of time.

I don't know .. if it is properly painted, ballasted, and scenicked, it can look pretty good .. look at what John Sing did .. that slider track piece is pretty ingenious .. now if they can just figure out how to do some "flex" track