Using Unitrack #4s for staging throat

[bman]

Ok, I think that answers it then. I think that's the way I'm going to go.

Your do realize you typed that outloud Ed.

[nuno81291]

Ed the only thing I worry about is that with the few #4s I first bought getting into the hobby before I moved to c55 is that the 4s dont have sharp points. You may need to do something like this guy: http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/kato_4_turnout_tuning&page=all I had many different brands locos picking the points as well as many various wheel sets when pushing a train through them before I filed the points. Just be forewarned...I only have 2 and they both needed the mod.

Mike

[R L Smith]

I use Kato #4's in my almost-too-far-to-reach staging yard throat for all the reasons Ed and Dave mention. No modifications, I use the Kato switch controllers too, and I have no issues with 89' flats pulling into the yard at low speed.  I do have occasional derailments when I back 89' flats, and it seems to be limited to the M-T flats - I've not noted the issue with BLMA or Trainworks flats or Trainworks 85' boxcars.

YMMV

Ron

[Santa Fe Guy]

Ed, the only thing I would try before laying the #4s was to make sure you are not going to run any bigger locos in the future. I would be a little concerned with the deck overhang and body mounted couplers on bigger locos pulling the first car off the track. Seen it many times even on a larger radius turnouts.
Otherwise do what suits.
Rod.

[wazzou]

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.

I really think it would be reaching to consider eBay as a street price source.

[peteski]

I wouldn't go quite so far to say this is innovative thinking.  A lot of modelers I know have used different track in hidden staging (usually to save money).  For that matter, seusscaboose has those Kato crossovers on the tracks leading into Bellevue, and I'm sure no one has stoned him for doing so.

My earlier point was that an Atlas #5 would work better than a Unitrack #4 for your 89' flats, and it will be less expensive.  The use of slide switches for turnout control would work fine in that yard.  You don't need Tortoises for these tracks, especially since they're easily in reach once the operator crawls into the pit for this yard.  If the Unitrack #6s didn't cause such a problem with track spacing, I'd say go that route, if you're set on the ease and convenience of the Unitrack turnout with the integral switch machine.

DFF

Ed strives for very realisitc prototypical modeling. When I called him innovative it was referring to him thinking outside his normal parameters (of realistic modeling).   Most modular tracks (especially Unitrak) are usually considered toyish train-set track, not something to be used on a finely detailed layout.

I also agree that the combined turnout/switch machine is a very handy feature.  L0ooks like Ed does want to throw them remotely.

I do realize that there are methods of making Unitrak look more realistic, but again, I didn't think it was within Ed to consider Unitrak. I also I think it that it is perfectly acceptable in a hidden staging yard, even on an otherwise a fine-scale layout.

Personally I don't think Atlas C55 switches are all that great. They do look prototypical (until repeated track cleanings expose the copper under the silver plating on all the cast metal parts).  But they also have their share of problems.  The gauge can be problematic, I don't like the way points are hinged, and I hate the very sloppy throwbar.

[Dave V]

Personally I don't think Atlas C55 switches are all that great. They do look prototypical (until repeated track cleanings expose the copper under the silver plating on all the cast metal parts).  But they also have their share of problems.  The gauge can be problematic, I don't like the way points are hinged, and I hate the very sloppy throwbar.

Once again I find myself in agreement with my colleague @peteski.

[peteski]

Once again I find myself in agreement with my colleague @peteski.

OMG, OMG, this can't be happening!    

That is so funny!  You crack me up Dave!

[Dave V]

OMG, OMG, this can't be happening!    

That is so funny!  You crack me up Dave!

It's true, tho...  For all the great things Atlas has done for N scale track, those turnouts aren't as awesome as some make them out to be.  The sloppy throwbars especially.  Remember, too, that some of the newer batch had outside stock rails that were not straight.  And sometimes the little tab for powering the frog gets disconnected somehow.

If you're building hidden or hard-to-access trackage, Atlas 55s are not the most reliable option.  If you must do 55, there's always the ME #6s.

[bman]

This is strange.  I've had only 1 minor issue with an Atlas code 55 turnout.  And that was more of a track alignment issue than the turnout itself.  (okay okay I misjudged a curve radius) And others here have reported not having modified their Kato #4 turnouts.  I wonder if it's finding out what day an automobile was made.  Don't buy one that was built on a Monday or a Friday is what I've been told. 

[peteski]

It's true, tho...  For all the great things Atlas has done for N scale track, those turnouts aren't as awesome as some make them out to be.  The sloppy throwbars especially.  Remember, too, that some of the newer batch had outside stock rails that were not straight.  And sometimes the little tab for powering the frog gets disconnected somehow.

Absolutely!

My friend used those switches on his multilevel layout. He is not the most fastidious tracklayer (and in few places he used the extra soft Woodland Scenics roadbed), and the switches are not as reliable as they should be.  Granted, it is not 100% due to the switches themselves, but if he used Unitrak, even without perfect tracklaying ability, the trackwork woudl have been much more relaible.

[Dave V]

I'm using all Atlas code 55 turnouts on the Colorado Midland, but they'll all be easy to access just in case.

But, back to the original topic, I'm 100% in support of Ed going Unitrack #4s in staging as long as he makes the recommended tweaks.

[OldEastRR]

Ed, just be careful .... because

If Unitrak, you never go back.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ed, just be careful .... because

If Unitrak, you never go back.

Lol, I'm not worried about it. I like closeup photos too much...

[Flagler]

I have a double ended yard that uses Kato #4. Works fine.