Changes

[TiVoPrince]

Nothing  
will install faster or run more reliably.  If you have all the track on hand your layout could be built and running in a weekend.  Those who snicker need to understand that inablity to run trains (in a satisfctory way) is responsible for more folks leaving the hobby than the lack of a quality plastic DH643.  Do what makes you happy, don't let the Unitrak haters pressure you into a personal mistake...

[Pomperaugrr]

I agree that Unitrack is reliable and quick to set up.  There is nothing wrong with it if you are willing to work within the parameters of what is available.  It is your layout and you need to do what works best for you in terms of time and enjoyment. 

Eric

[Bsklarski]

Well I spent some time this afternoon adding up what I need. It looks like about $260 more for unitrack (%35 off retail) and maybe $120 in code 55 (same discount). I could go even cheaper with the unitrack if I use what I have here and modify the plan. I could go cheaper still if I used come Code 55 sectional track. This is not a bad idea as alot of what I am aiming to mode was stick rail back in the 1970s. Its the switches that kill. You can almost get 3 for the price of 1 kato switch. Ok now so has anyone taken something like that Salt lake route and drawn it up in code 55?

Brian Baffled in Belchertown

[Ian MacMillan]

I'm gonna be "that guy"

Go C55, push your limits, and you wont look back.

[seusscaboose]

I started in Unitrak as i found my way in terms of a trackplan and design elements (although i didn't know it at the time).  I found it very useful to "put down track and run trains".  Over time, as I became more confident with my skills (not saying you're not) and saw the things that could be achieved (mostly by seeing pics here) I decided C55 was the way to go.  I think it is an evolution that is individual to the modeler.  Kato worked fine for what I wanted it to be.  I have seen great examples of what it can be (John Sing). 

I feel like I am defending Unitrak.  That is not my intention.  My intention is to say that each person models at their own pace and should use the tools that make it easier (and therefore more fun). 

I think you will find here that the people are supportive and have good ideas and overwhelmingly keep the feedback positive.

All that being said, pushing your limits (at your own pace) gives you a sense of accomplishment when that finished product comes off the workbench (or comes to fruition on the benchwork).

EP

[Brakie]

I believe my esteemed colleagues has forgotten one thing.

There is no law saying you can't use flex track for curves with Unitrack since cork roadbed is the same height.

I have Unitrack and find its as smooth as any track but,I fully agree its way to high for average roadbed-just like cork roadbed one need to blend the scenery to the track..

[johnhale]

Good point Brakie,
    Do you have any issues marrying the Unitrack with flex track? Maybe a photo?

John

[DKS]

Kato makes a special connector track that marries flex with Unitrack (20045). I was recently working on a layout that has a mix of track types and I installed a couple of these. They work quite well.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/kat/kat20045.htm

That said, it shouldn't be any trouble to join flex to any Unitrack piece directly. Just yank out the plastic track joiner, install roadbed of the appropriate height, and connect the tracks.

[seusscaboose]

unitrak (code 80) to any Code 55 can be tricky.

requires a conversion joiner (MicroEngineering makes them in plastic, or you can solder the rail together and match up the inside of the rail and the top of the rail.

It is tricky, but can be done.

there is also a vertical height issue that needs to be accounted for.

EP

[Brakie]

Good point Brakie,
    Do you have any issues marrying the Unitrack with flex track? Maybe a photo?

John

Not yet..When I start construction on Slate Creek Industrial I will be using Unitrack #6 switches and C80 flex track..I do know you use regular C80 rail joiners on the Unitrack..

[seusscaboose]

Not yet..When I start construction on Slate Creek Industrial I will be using Unitrack #6 switches and C80 flex track..I do know you use regular C80 rail joiners on the Unitrack..

some people solve the heigh disparity between the Codes with a small shim of brass in the bottom of the C80 railjoiner.  That's one thought.

the best solution (IMO) is to use the ME coversion joiners (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Micro-Engineering-HO-N-Plastic-Transition-Rai-p/mec-26-005.htm ) and just drop leads on either side of the joint.

EP

[Brakie]

some people solve the heigh disparity between the Codes with a small shim of brass in the bottom of the C80 railjoiner.  That's one thought.

the best solution (IMO) is to use the ME coversion joiners (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Micro-Engineering-HO-N-Plastic-Transition-Rai-p/mec-26-005.htm ) and just drop leads on either side of the joint.

EP

Good idea except Unitrack is C80..All I need to do is remove the Unitrack joiner install a Atlas  joiner and I'm good to go since the cork or foam roadbed is the same height as the Unitrack..

[John]

Good idea except Unitrack is C80..All I need to do is remove the Unitrack joiner install a Atlas  joiner and I'm good to go since the cork or foam roadbed is the same height as the Unitrack..

It makes no sense to me to use UNITRAK, then try to mate up Atlas C55 flex .. if the tie spacing / rail height don't bother you, then just go with the C80 flex ..

[johnhale]

Another option is to use PECO code 55 track as the transition piece. It is actually code 80 with two flanges on it. The rail height at an unaltered end is the same as code 80 and actually uses a code 80 joiner. On the other end, file the bottom of the track to the second flange (code 55 height) and use a regular code 55 joiner.

mmyers uses this trick in going from Atlas code 80 to Atlas code 55.

John

[seusscaboose]

Good idea except Unitrack is C80..All I need to do is remove the Unitrack joiner install a Atlas  joiner and I'm good to go since the cork or foam roadbed is the same height as the Unitrack..

a single piece of Midwest cork with Atlas C55 is not the same height as a piece of Unitrak.  Film at 11.