Feeders and Kato Elevated Viaduct Track Help

[nik_n_dad]

Hello

 

We are adding elevated/viaduct as a "second deck" above the existing layout. We could use advice on several topics.

 

Background:

 

N-scale

Kato untrack, double-track elevated/viaduct

DCC (so we need lots of feeders)

The elevated/viaduct track is NOT connected to the ground-level track/layout

 

1) what do you use for feeders? Do you use the special ones made for viaduct track or

2) how do you hide the feeders on your layout? We don't want to see the wires hanging in weird spots under the track

3) any other suggestions for using viaduct/elevated track incorporated with a layout that has ground-level track as well?

[Yavianice]

1) they have special "adapters" that clip into slots on the bottom of the viaducts. The slots are on one side of the viaduct which corresponds to the "direction" of the current just like the ground level adapter tracks. Note that the V13 track set comes with 2 feeders, and that you can slot the adapters in any straight 248mm viaduct track, just a matter of "clipping or unclipping" them

 

2) drill holes I guess. I hide them under my "grass" or in grooves that are in my board. Note that the cables dangle from the viaduct in a "non prototypical manner". :-)

 

3) look at the topic I posted about the V12 set slopes. http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/12368-question-about-v12-set-slopes/

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kvp]

Imho it's best to glue the wires to the underside of the viaduct until the next pillar and guide them down there. After assembly, just paint the exposed (visible) parts gray, so they look like pipes or traction power feeds.

[ToniBabelony]

I have bought the track clips and wasn't very pleased with them, as the wires stick out from the middle of the bridges. So, I soldered wires to the unijoiners and channeled them through a pillar, hiding them from view. Yes, you have to sacrifice a pillar by drilling some holes in it, but it's worth the effort.

 

 

It's not my best result, but it's certainly better than the commercially available alternative.

[cteno4]

We also just disassembled some double viaduct and cut a slot (using a roto tool and burr) under the track and soldering leads to the bottom side of the track. Works well and is free...

 

Jeff

[gavino200]

I have bought the track clips and wasn't very pleased with them, as the wires stick out from the middle of the bridges. So, I soldered wires to the unijoiners and channeled them through a pillar, hiding them from view. Yes, you have to sacrifice a pillar by drilling some holes in it, but it's worth the effort.

 

 

It's not my best result, but it's certainly better than the commercially available alternative.

How did you create that slightly raised effect at the base of your pillars? Is that a special Kato layout base?

[inobu]

If total concealment is paramount use the 23-019 and wire through them.

 

I think the tops can be removed.

 

 

 

http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/how_to_make_kato_unitrack_feed.html

 

 

Inobu

Edited January 3, 2017 by inobu

[ToniBabelony]

How did you create that slightly raised effect at the base of your pillars? Is that a special Kato layout base?

I created those bases on the computer and had it cut out by my cutting machine out of 0,3mm (or so) paper. It was a little experiment. I'd like to try to do it again soon, but then out of styrene.

[gavino200]

I created those bases on the computer and had it cut out by my cutting machine out of 0,3mm (or so) paper. It was a little experiment. I'd like to try to do it again soon, but then out of styrene.

 

It's nice and subtle. Interesting detail!