Kato Unitrack informal poll - discussion

[arbomambo]

An informal poll and questionnaire for those who use Kato Unitrack:
 
  Would you like to see Kato do a crossover or double crossover with no. 6 turnouts?
 ...and what features would you like the crossovers to have?

[NorsemanJack]

An informal poll and questionnaire for those who use Kato Unitrack:
 
  Would you like to see Kato do a crossover or double crossover with no. 6 turnouts?
 ...and what features would you like the crossovers to have?

I thought that the existing double crossover was based upon #6 turnouts.  That said, it is not particularly prototypical, and a single crossover based upon #6 (or larger) turnouts would be a welcomed addition.

[seusscaboose]

#10's would be hott

[Steveruger45]

I thought that the existing double crossover was based upon #6 turnouts.  That said, it is not particularly prototypical, and a single crossover based upon #6 (or larger) turnouts would be a welcomed addition.

Yep. This

[chicken45]

I’d love #6 version of the 20-230/231!

[greenwizard88]

I'd prefer the #6 switches in a crossover, although a #6 with 33mm spacing (like the #4's) would be ideal.

[cec209]

I'd prefer the #6 switches in a crossover, although a #6 with 33mm spacing (like the #4's) would be ideal.

I'll second that idea.
Charlie

[railnerd]

Simple answer: Yes.

[ncbqguy]

Bruce-
I’ve been away from Unitrak since I left Kato but it seems to me that separate #6s that accomplish 33mm track spacing would be more useful than integral right and left hand single crossovers. 
For that matter a redo of the #4s to correct the long standing deficiencies would be even better....
Tomix has outpaced Kato in range and upgrading of their track line....the superior Unijoiner electrical and mechanical feature has allowed Kato to essentially get away with 1960s track with relatively minor additions and no innovation...especially for the non-meter gauge rest of the world.
Charlie Vlk

[nscaler711]

Definitely #6 crossovers with the 33mm track spacing.
Using #6 turnouts to do a crossover you get this mess:

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'd take any of the options, but the #6s that allow for 33mm spacing would be my #1 choice.  Single crossovers would be next.

But above ANY of those I'd love larger curves.

[Maletrain]

I would like to see curves with radii between their 15" and 19" and 22".  Kato has made some super-elevated curves in those ranges.  But, those can't be  mixed in with other sections.  We are stuck with mixing 15" and 19" radius sections to get something close to intermediate radii.  Some of those results are pretty clunky looking.

[NorsemanJack]

I would like to see curves with radii between their 15" and 19" and 22".  Kato has made some super-elevated curves in those ranges.  But, those can't be  mixed in with other sections.  We are stuck with mixing 15" and 19" radius sections to get something close to intermediate radii.  Some of those results are pretty clunky looking.

Are you referring to the cosmetics?  Other than the concrete ties and double tracking, they should mix with other Unitrack just fine.

[glakedylan]

I would like to see curves with radii between their 15" and 19" and 22".  Kato has made some super-elevated curves in those ranges.  But, those can't be  mixed in with other sections.  We are stuck with mixing 15" and 19" radius sections to get something close to intermediate radii.  Some of those results are pretty clunky looking.

the super-elevated curved doubles interact with other regular track with a transition piece that fits at either end of the super-elevated track. they are 22.5 degree curves and come in 2 sizes 15"/16.25" and 17.75"/19" (approximately), the transition in that piece of track is from super-elevated (one end) and regular (the other end) and there is a left and a right of such track.

[Maletrain]

Are you referring to the cosmetics?  Other than the concrete ties and double tracking, they [super-elevated curve sections] should mix with other Unitrack just fine.

You are missing the main issue that comes with super-elevation.  You can't just stick one piece of super-elevated track into a plan that is using flat track, because the rail joiners won't all match vertically.  And, those are big sections with large angles, so by the time you have put transition pieces on each end of even a single section of super-elevated track, you have a turn of at least 67.5 degrees. I guess you could just stick 2 transition pieces together and get as little as 45 degrees.  And, those are all double track sections, so not compatible with single tracked layout areas.  I want something that is useful in making various radius bends in single tracks with 15 degree increments, like their other flat track pieces.

And, yes, the "cosmetics" of interspersing concrete tie sections with wood tie sections is an issue, either to just look at or to do something about with paint and patience.

But the "pretty clunky looking" cosmetics I was referring to in my post were related to trying to make something like 17-1/2" radius curves by alternating 19" and 15" sections.  It looks silly.  I can get decent-looking 16-1/4" effective radius that way, though.

One recent addition that I like are the 10 degree curves they introduced when they made their turntable.  Those are in the original wood tie motif, and can be used anywhere, not just on the turntable rays.  I wish I could just buy a package of those pieces, without having to buy several turntable related pieces, too.  It helps get away from that sectional track feeling that comes with everything being at 15 degree angle increments.