Turntable coming for UniTrack

[nittany4]

so what's a better item, the upcoming DCC operational Bachmann turntable or a non-DCC friendly Kato one?

[westfalen]

The kato turntable will be able to be used on DCC layouts there is just no provision to control it by DCC, at least that we know of yet because kato have not yet released full details as far as I know, though it might be cheaper than the kato one though it's hard to pass judgement there either seeing Kato hasn't given a price yet.

 

In my opinion though the Bachmann turntable looks too much like something that belongs in a toy train set.

 

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=4909

[sedril]

KatoUSA has put their own video up:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTZhrQQjeMc

[kvp]

After watching the video, this turntable looks like a pretty neat one. It's simple and looks good on any japanese or american layout. For me it seems like controlling can be done with a dpdt switch for the track polarity and a dpdt and a spdt switch for the rotation. (one for the directon of the movement, the 2nd for the fast movement and the slow indexing movement) The indexing (afaik) seems to be mechanical, so when the fast rotation mode is turned off, the power keeps flowing to the motor with the same polarity through a contact switch (with reduced voltage) and when this switch is released (by falling in line with a hole), the power is cut off to the motor. Pretty simple and sound. Adding DCC would require a loop module between the static tracks and the track on the turntable and an accessory decoder. The decoder's signal can be used to remotely throw the switch with relays. (or you can replace the control box completly by using multiple relays to control the fast and the indexing movement directly) The end result would be a simple two button DCC accessory to rotate it either in the left or the right direction. Releasing the buttons would set the turntable into indexing mode and stop it at the next track. At least this is my idea based on the video (the driving cable between the controller and the turntable can be seen on the video).

Edited February 21, 2014 by kvp

[ash]

I am a newbie here and trying to learn all kinds of N Scale tricks from you experts. So Kato single tracks can be used with Kato's double tracks. This is very interesting. This way there are so many new options we get. thanks for sharing the picture, it gives me so many ideas. What is the size of your layout?

[Guest Closed Account 1]

Does anyone have this kit with complete round house?

 

What's the parts list and the footprint?

[JR 500系]

Does anyone have this kit with complete round house?

 

What's the parts list and the footprint?

 

Hi skipper:

 

You're referring to the latest Kato turntable? I think the round house is still in development: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-eIXRwmTRQ

 

I'm not sure if the Tomix roundhouse can be compatible though...

 

The more I look at it, the more I like it. Definitely an eye catcher on any layout... But I don't have engines to go around using it......   :( 

[cteno4]

Nariichi thinks the kato roundhouse is slated for a fall release

 

Jeff

[Guest Closed Account 1]

I have a Fleischmann turntable on an N-TRAK module

Do you have a picture of the Ntrak module?

 

My club is pondering the idea with the Kato.