Weekend Update 5/4/25

[altohorn25]

A quick video of my mostly completed 1947 RBBB circus train:

[peteski]

Clearance cutouts to allow attaching the unitrack from the undersides with screws. Ever wonder what those molded tubes on the underside of Kato Unitrack are for?

That's funny. While I always suspected that those are for permanently attaching Unitrack but not using screws from underneath. I always assumed that those tubes are for drilling holes from the bottom through the roadbed to open up a hole to use nails for the top to fasten the track to the layout. Basically the same way Atlas snap track has holes in ties for using nails.

How difficult it would be to drill holes through the layout base accurately enough to line up with the small tubes in the track sections, then try to screw them from under the layout using very small screws? The holes look to be about 0.05" or 1.3mm diameter.  I guess with a T-Trak module where it can easily be accessed from the bottom and with only few Unitrack section it would not be impossible, but how about a home layout using 3/4" plywood and dozens of Unitrack sections?  That IMO would be unrealistic.    But if those holes are drilled through the roadbed, you can lay down all the Unitrack pieces on the layout then nail them from the top *AFTER* they are all arranged.

[Iain]

How so ?

i work on the satellites.

[basementcalling]

Almost finished attaching track to the Stuart Denniston T-TRAK modules ordered by ScaleTrains!
Denise Hutton and I will be personally delivering them to ScaleTrains on our way to Spencer, NC next week for their annual Train Show!

What's the black box thingy with the red and yellow buttons?

[MK]

That's funny. While I always suspected that those are for permanently attaching Unitrack but not using screws from underneath. I always assumed that those tubes are for drilling holes from the bottom through the roadbed to open up a hole to use nails for the top to fasten the track to the layout. Basically the same way Atlas snap track has holes in ties for using nails.

How difficult it would be to drill holes through the layout base accurately enough to line up with the small tubes in the track sections, then try to screw them from under the layout using very small screws? The holes look to be about 0.05" or 1.3mm diameter.  I guess with a T-Trak module where it can easily be accessed from the bottom and with only few Unitrack section it would not be impossible, but how about a home layout using 3/4" plywood and dozens of Unitrack sections?  That IMO would be unrealistic.    But if those holes are drilled through the roadbed, you can lay down all the Unitrack pieces on the layout then nail them from the top *AFTER* they are all arranged.

Many just glue the tracks on to the base and ballast normally.  The ballast and glue would be enough to hold the track unless you handle things roughly.

Some do drill through the molded tubes and then screw the tracks on from the top.  But that would upset the perfectionists with the screw head showing between the tracks.     (It also adds to the uncertainty of the skill of the builder.  I once had modules from others in a show where a few screw heads would be a smidgeon above the rail height.  It would catch locos with snow plows.   )

[MK]

What's the black box thingy with the red and yellow buttons?

Panel mount to hold 2x2 Anderson Powerpole connectors.  Not buttons.  You will need a cable that will connect to that and the other ends are Kato mini-Tamiya connectors that would connect to the T-Trak spline bus.

[Jesse6669]

I've been working on the scenery on my N Scale layout for the past month and a half between the coal mine complex and the track elevator.

Sumner I am consistently amazed by your ingenuity, not to mention output of work. 

[up1950s]

i work on the satellites.

Wow , weren't you the one that was working to restore a tugboat or tugboat part ? Congrats , hope you succeeded on both .

[chuck geiger]

Negative Blue Origin Katy Perry Space:

[Bendtracker1]

So she's a land surveyor now?

[jpwisc]

Made some progress on my MILW H10-44.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
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[Jim Starbuck]

Made some progress on my MILW H10-44.

Absolutely beautiful Karl!

[C62-2]

That's funny. While I always suspected that those are for permanently attaching Unitrack but not using screws from underneath. I always assumed that those tubes are for drilling holes from the bottom through the roadbed to open up a hole to use nails for the top to fasten the track to the layout. Basically the same way Atlas snap track has holes in ties for using nails.

How difficult it would be to drill holes through the layout base accurately enough to line up with the small tubes in the track sections, then try to screw them from under the layout using very small screws? The holes look to be about 0.05" or 1.3mm diameter.  I guess with a T-Trak module where it can easily be accessed from the bottom and with only few Unitrack section it would not be impossible, but how about a home layout using 3/4" plywood and dozens of Unitrack sections?  That IMO would be unrealistic.    But if those holes are drilled through the roadbed, you can lay down all the Unitrack pieces on the layout then nail them from the top *AFTER* they are all arranged.

The tubes on the bottom are for attaching the bases for the catenary poles (https://www.unitrack-kato.com/line-up-pocket-line-en-5), although I suppose they can also be used for screwing the track down.

[peteski]

The tubes on the bottom are for attaching the bases for the catenary poles (https://www.unitrack-kato.com/line-up-pocket-line-en-5), although I suppose they can also be used for screwing the track down.

Thanks for the explanation. That makes sense.

[Jesse6669]

Progress on the Z scale X-67 boxcar.  It still needs more weathering, especially to the doors.   Prototype inspiration here.