New Kato SMALL radius curves

[rpierce000]

Kato is releasing some smaller radius curves. This has to be in response to the popularity of the mini stuff from TOMIX.

 

http://www.katomodels.com/n/unitrack_compact/

 

                20-890  CV-1  Unitrack Compact Basic Kit (endless loop)  List price: Y2,200

                20-172  Unitrack Compact Curved rail R183mm  45°(4 pcs / pack)  List Price: Y640

                20-174  Unitrack Compact Curved rail R150mm  45°(4 pcs / pack)  List Price: Y640

 

Let me know if you want any, I have some en route next week.

 

Bob

bob@bttrains.com

[brill27mcb]

If you give this some thought, it becomes apparent that these two curves are 33mm different in radius -- the Kato standard track spacing. If you then add 33mm to the larger 183mm radius, you get 216mm, which is Kato's present smallest curve. So they have a continuous range of radii, all spaced by 33mm. The Tomix small radius curves do not so neatly extend the bottom of the larger curve sizes; instead they chose to base the Mini track on the standard 140mm straight track length, with 140mm radius on the turnouts, then went larger and smaller than that by 37mm, the Tomix standard track spacing.

 

Rich K.

[Mudkip Orange]

If you give this some thought, it becomes apparent that these two curves are 33mm different in radius -- the Kato standard track spacing. If you then add 33mm to the larger 183mm radius, you get 216mm, which is Kato's present smallest curve. So they have a continuous range of radii, all spaced by 33mm. The Tomix small radius curves do not so neatly extend the bottom of the larger curve sizes; instead they chose to base the Mini track on the standard 140mm straight track length, with 140mm radius on the turnouts, then went larger and smaller than that by 37mm, the Tomix standard track spacing.

 

Rich K.

 

I was about to post exactly this.

 

KATO really did Tomix one better with this one. Now I just wonder if there'll be snap-on road plates next....

[westfalen]

Or small radius turnouts?

 

I wonder if someone at Kato is thinking "Tomix sell more track than us, it's about time we did something about that".

[brill27mcb]

If you give this some thought, it becomes apparent that these two curves are 33mm different in radius -- the Kato standard track spacing. If you then add 33mm to the larger 183mm radius, you get 216mm, which is Kato's present smallest curve. So they have a continuous range of radii, all spaced by 33mm. The Tomix small radius curves do not so neatly extend the bottom of the larger curve sizes; instead they chose to base the Mini track on the standard 140mm straight track length, with 140mm radius on the turnouts, then went larger and smaller than that by 37mm, the Tomix standard track spacing.

 

Rich K.

 

I was about to post exactly this.

 

KATO really did Tomix one better with this one. Now I just wonder if there'll be snap-on road plates next....

 

 

I don't think Kato have done Tomix one better at all. They still have a more limited in-street track system (although prettier out of the box). You are generally limited to 90-degree curves and streets with 6 lanes (2 traffic, 2 tram, 2 more traffic). Instead of offering tighter paved curves, since tram lines usually have their tightest curves at city corners, Kato has introduced tighter curves with ballast roadbed instead. That doesn't really make sense. I do like the 25mm track spacing in the street, but by widening the spacing on the street corners and having wider spacing off-street, they have created a "rats nest" that limits tram layout design options. I think they are still trying to catch up with Tomix/Tomytec, although they do offer a more high-end product with complete city blocks and their sophisticated Unitram mechanism design.  They don't have a compatible bus system, either.    And, unfortunately, neither manufacturer is talking about paved turnouts (points) yet. 

 

Rich K.

[Hobby Dreamer]

Thanks Bob, for the heads-up on new product..

 

Its great to see Kato introducing new product at this time... Maybe its foreshadowing upcoming tram track, or maybe not. So far, Kato has only released a "system" of tram track and does not sell most of the track individually..  Its also a small company and Tomix can "bury it" easily.. Maybe that is why we hear so little about their development.

 

But, I'm certain Kato is in the tram business 100%: they designed amazing looking tram track, and have the nicest trams (lit interiors, flat motors etc).. They also sell internationally and there are a few nice N-scale trams out there so maybe Kato will service this market... both in terms of track and trams..

 

So, small radius train track is better than nothing!

 

Rick

[brill27mcb]

Agreed!  These are great times for tram modelers in N gauge. And you can mix and match...

 

Rich K.

[nightshade]

guess need to check the stores out ther  (that size would been helpfull  for my table

migh have been better )  o well