Kato Unitrak and Flex Tracks

[HiSpdTrainFan]

Can someone please tell me what brand of Flex track i can use with Kato track?  I have some really long straights on my layout, and flex track probably cost less than Kato.

[hectorton]

    I believe that the brand of track you buy does not matter.  Only thing that matter is that it be N scale as kato makes and sells the following:  http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10003037

[keitaro]

the track does matter as the track height is different.

 

though for saving asmall amount of money it's likely best to use the kato track as you have to stuff around making the track straight to match the rest.

[quinntopia]

I used Atlas Code 80 flex track on my layout connected to Unitrack.  As mentioned by Keitaro, it is at a different height so you will need add roadbed and ballast it to make it look right.  You actually don't need the 'snap track' connector as that was created to match Kato to Tomix track from what I understand. Other than that, Atlas flex track can be used (I also have used Fleischmann's 'profi-track' flex track, which is unusual in that it also has something of a 'built-in' roadbed and looks okay next to Kato track, but is also a lot more expensive than atlas!).

[keitaro]

yeah i couldn't remeber what code kato used so it's 80?

 

i know peco sell bot codes anyway?

[quinntopia]

I think Atlas sells a code 55 flex track as well, but code 80 from Atlas, Minitrix, and Fleischmann all work with my Kato flex track! (sorry, but four brands of track on one layout is enough for me!).

 

I also forgot that I've written a couple of blog posts on my experience as well for what its worth (there are some photos which might be useful):

http://www.quinntopia.com/2009/09/fleischmann-tomix-and-kato-roadbed.html

 

http://www.quinntopia.com/2009/03/flex-track-with-roadbed-unitrack.html

[Guest Closed Account 1]

You want tall rails. Use code 80.

 

Peco is the preferred brand around here.

[Bernard]

I've used Atlas & Peco code 80 on my layout with Kato bridges and Viaducts. Price wise Atlas is a lot less than Peco but I prefer Peco. The reason is that it is a lot easier to shape into curves and is flexible from both sides. You can only flex Atlas on one side so you have to make sure that your sides are matched up when you solder the track together. The Peco is much sturdier and if you have to de-solder a piece of track, your chances of not destroying it are better with Peco than Atlas.

Here is a photo of Altas flex joined with a Kato Bridge.

[keitaro]

bernard does the track split off at the bottom in different directions?

 

if it doesn't this is why i mention it's better to just spend the cash as keeping it straight and getting gaps right is a pain in the butt.

[Bernard]

keitaro - Here is a wide shot of the kato bridge with flex track, after the bridge the track does a large radius curve into the mountain. Is that what you were asking?

[keitaro]

kind of the picture is hard to see.

 

If you look at the bridge in pic 1 and follow the track to the bottom of the pic the track has an unusualy large gap as if the lines split off to become single lines.

 

I.e. gap is wrong.

 

from your 2nd pic though i can see they do not split out and it is uneven track.

 

Just saying this is why i preffer to spend the $$ and use tomix track (same would go for kato).

 

Though i do think the peco track looks better as without the base.

[HiSpdTrainFan]

Atlas Code 80 flex track in black

Atlas code 55 flex track in brown

 

I used Kato tracks on my 20 x 8 layout for TGVs. Just recently added 3 sets Kato V4 siding to the main. I figured flex track would be more economical for straight lines, plus i can get them in 36" per piece. Anyways, thanks everyone for your comments and infos.

 

@Quinntopia

 

I found a Minitrix ICE set like the your for $305.98 , shipping not included. Is the price about right?

http://www.reynaulds.com/products/Trix/12197.aspx

 

Also. I heard Kato is working on an ICE set? Is this rumors?

[sedril]

@HiSpdTrainFan I found the same set here: http://www.modellbahn-kramm.com/E/artikel2.cfm?fid=870&artnr=12197&nav=0&hint=1 for 149 euros, shipping not included.

[brill27mcb]

We're getting off the topic here, but in my opinion this is the best model of the ICE 3 in N scale. Note in the vendor photos that some coaches have a door at both ends, and others only at one end. The older Minitrix models with a base set, plus adding separately sold 1st and 2nd class coaches to make a full-length train, doesn't capture this aspect of the train's appearance.

 

Rich K.

[HiSpdTrainFan]

@HiSpdTrainFan I found the same set here: http://www.modellbahn-kramm.com/E/artikel2.cfm?fid=870&artnr=12197&nav=0&hint=1 for 149 euros, shipping not included.

 

149 Euro = $192.90 + $35 DHL shipping fee. A total $227.90 US. Thats better deal than the other site.  BTW, thank you for the info.

[HiSpdTrainFan]

We're getting off the topic here, but in my opinion this is the best model of the ICE 3 in N scale. Note in the vendor photos that some coaches have a door at both ends, and others only at one end. The older Minitrix models with a base set, plus adding separately sold 1st and 2nd class coaches to make a full-length train, doesn't capture this aspect of the train's appearance.

 

Rich K.

 

Also, the gears in this set are metal instead of brittle plastic like the older base set. One flaw to this set is it does not have directional lights.

[Guest Closed Account 1]

We're getting off the topic here, but in my opinion this is the best model of the ICE 3 in N scale. Note in the vendor photos that some coaches have a door at both ends, and others only at one end. The older Minitrix models with a base set, plus adding separately sold 1st and 2nd class coaches to make a full-length train, doesn't capture this aspect of the train's appearance.

 

Rich K.

 

One flaw to this set is it does not have directional lights.

 

Fleischmann ICE-T does.