Using Unitrack #4s for staging throat

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm entertaining options for how to setup my staging yard, and because the ladder will be annoying to access (not impossible, but annoying), I'm thinking about trying to make it as reliable as possible.

To that end, I'm thinking about using Unitrack #4s (the #6s result in spacing that's too wide).

Those of you who use them, would you recommend it?

I'll be using DCC, and running 80s equipment (think 89' TOFC flats and boxcars and SD50s).

[davefoxx]

To that end, I'm thinking about using Unitrack #4s.

Those of you who use them, would you recommend it?

I'll be using DCC, and running 80s equipment (think 89' TOFC flats and boxcars and SD50s).

Dear Ed,

Are you drunk?

Love,
Dave

[davefoxx]

Haha!  Seriously, if you're going with Atlas Code 55 elsewhere and you're going to make that track reliable, why would you expect less in the yard throat?  There's really minimal problems with Code 55 turnouts, if you properly gauge the wheelsets of all rolling stock.  You may have to swipe a file across a point of a new turnout before installation every now and then, but that's usually the worst of any problem with these turnouts.  That, and using #4s for 89' cars and six-axle locomotives probably won't go well.  But, feel free to experiment with that.  That's one advantage of Unitrack.

DFF

[wazzou]

Pretty soon, Ed will be twisting Woodland Scenics plastic tree armatures....10 per night 

[peteski]

Assuming that it will be a hidden staging yard, I applaud your innovative thinking!  There is nothing wrong with using bulletproof (solid and reliable) and modular (easily replaceable) turnouts in staging. AND YOU'VE GOT SOME GIGANTIC BALLZ TO EVEN BRING THIS UP ON TRW! 

[powersteamguy1790]

The #4's will work for you. Make sure you follow John Sing's tutorial for making the #4 switches compatible with all your locomotives and rolling stock.

http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/kato_4_turnout_tuning&page=all

Have fun with it....

[squirrelhunter]

The staging will be hidden right? And don't all Kato Unitrak Switches come set up for remote operation? #4's are probably tight for 89' cars and big 6 axle units, but at low speeds, I would guess they would be ok.

I guess I don't see the appeal of wasting Code 55 switches for hidden track.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One of the big advantages is that they have integral switch machines.  The space under the yard will be kinda tight to fit Tortoises into, and it will be, while not completely hidden, not really visible either, so I'm not worried about that aspect of it.

Also, while they do seem nice, and I've yet to test it, but I don't think they'll actually stop bullets...

[Dave V]

+1 for Ed here...  Any hidden staging I'd do for the Juniata Division would be Unitrack regardless of what I use for the scenicked portions for the same reasons:

1)  Reliability (both mechanical and electrical)
2)  Ease of installation (typically your hidden staging is at the back of or under the layout)
3)  Integral switch machines that are easily "remoted."

I'm all for better modeling through peer pressure, but track-snobbery is such a turnoff!   

EDIT:  Oh yeah, Unitrack lets you make changes after the fact if you find your staging isn't working out the way you need it to.  You can change locations of crossovers and escape tracks with ease, as well as easily add capacity (assuming the real estate exists).

[Sokramiketes]

Are we confusing the reliability of Unitrack #6's with the unreliability of their #4's?

[seusscaboose]

The #6's can be trimmed to adjust for your track spacing concern

[sizemore]

The cost in switches alone gives me the shakes at $26 a pop.

The S.

[arbomambo]

/>
They work great...I followed John Sing's tutorial when tweaking all of mine...
Very, very reliable with all manner of equipment.
Bruce

[Dave V]

The cost in switches alone gives me the shakes at $26 a pop.

The S.

Street price ain't so bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kato-20202-N-Gauge-Unitrack-Electric-Turnout-6-Left-R718-15-R28-1-4-15-1pc-/321616971745?hash=item4ae1dd87e1:g:VxAAAMXQw8hRahzm

...especially of you consider the cost of a standard code 55 turnout with Toulouse for remote staging.

[Kisatchie]

Street price ain't so bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kato-20202-N-Gauge-Unitrack-Electric-Turnout-6-Left-R718-15-R28-1-4-15-1pc-/321616971745?hash=item4ae1dd87e1:g:VxAAAMXQw8hRahzm

The auction is for a #6 turnout. The lowest price I've seen for a #4 turnout is MB Klein's $25.99


Hmm... you should try
pricing foreign termites...