Opinions on Kato HO track kit

I haven't used the Kato track, but I think anything that gets you moving forward in the hobby is a good thing.  I can see some real advantages in it's use for someone in the situation you describe. 

The MR series that showed the N scale Kato track layout construction may be a very good resource for you as they detail making nice small layout using nothing but the Kato Track. That series has run over the past couple of months, and would be worth your review.

There may be comments on  the overall design (being basically a 4x8 foot layout) and the click style track which will be valid, but this looks like it would provide some fun operation with the staging yards, and should get you up and running relativvely quickly.

Later on, you may find yourself wanting something different, and you can experiment with using flex track or handlaid - I'm sure you can problaby resell the Kato and reclaim 20--40% of your purchase price - which isn't too bad as long as you've had fun with it for a while!

That makes the Kato Unitrak the perfect choice for you.  It does not need to be fastened down permanently.  You can click it together, and try that plan out.  If you find some areas that don't work as well operationally as you would like, it is easy to pick it up and change it.  There has been some discussion of "chain saw" layouts on this site.  Those are layouts that are built with the idea of seeing what works and what doesn't.  The layout is built with the idea that it will be destroyed and replaced by something better as the builder begins to understand operation and sees better ways of doing things.  With Unitrak, you can build your "chainsaw" layout, and then take it apart and reconfigure it without the destruction of a chain saw.

Russ

Would you care to elaborate on the potential problems you see with the track plan? I am a complete novice, my only experience is with a Lionel on a oval track that my Grandfather bought me when I was a young child.

Thanks.

Sarpia

I have read some of your blog and found it very helpful. I will be reading more.

I noticed the reference to MR magazine that Kato makes but was not aware that it is a recent topic.Thanks for the info.

There are no reversing loops, which is probably a good thing for a novice.  The  problem is that without the reversing loop somewhere in the layout, a train can't be turned around.  If a train is backed in to any of the staging tracks to be staged for an operating session, and it comes out of staging to the layout, the only way it can get back to staging is to be backed into the staging track.  If one of the switches leading to either of the staging yards is reversed, then a train entering from one staging yard can go over the layout and then pull in to the other staging yard, but it will need to be backed out and backed around to get to the original staging yard for staging another session.  There is also the fact that with only one passing track, you really can't operate two trains running in opposite directions at the same time.  These are probably short comings that you would eventually want to address, but with Unitrak, you can put it down and run trains.  When you start to notice some shortcomings with a layout design that you want to change, the track can be easily taken up and reconfigured.  You can get trains running now and as you get more confidence in how to wire a layout, you can try your hand at reversing sections, and see how that works.  What I like about that layout for a novice is that it can get you running your train on more than just a circle of track.

Hi Mike-

I was in the exact same boat as you about two years ago (here is my "return to the hobby" post on the MR forums) and with what little hindsight I have I think you are taking a much better approach than I did.  Take the Kato trackplan and the unitrack and try out a few different layouts.  I

t's a much quicker (and in the long term cheaper) way to figure out what you like and don't like in a layout.  Don't get too caught up in trying to figure out the perfect track plan before you start since your track is so easy to change around (and obviously fasten it down in some way that allows you to take it up easily).

My other piece of advice:  go make some friends in the hobby who have layouts if you haven't already.  I was a lone wolf - not counting participation on here - for the most part for the 1st year I was back in the hobby and I had more trouble with not knowing how to prioritize the tasks of getting my layout up and going.  Go join a club (this didn't work for me but it is still a worthwhile exercise), join the NMRA (if your division is reasonably active it's the easiest way to meet other modelers), or hang out at your hobby hosp (but in your case that wouldn't apply).  You will learn more from talking to other modelers and seeing what they've done than in any other way.

So go get your track and some stuff to push around that layout and get started!

~rb

Kato track is awesome, can take a beating. You can add ballast, glue it down, un glue it. It is awesome. I have been doing layouts, literally all my life. And I did my last layout with Unitrack (HO) and I was very impressed. Their electrical connections are perfect. I had no problem with my DCC system at all. It worked flawlessly !! You can't go wrong with it. Kato Unitrack are made to snap it and unsnap it continuisly. It really can take a beating. I had a section on my layout that I put too much ballast. I found out too late, when it was dried. I had to use a knife and a chisel to remove the ballast. Once I did that I removed that section of track, I took it to the sink and put it under water to wash and remove the glue and the rest of the ballast. I knew I had ruined it, for sure. I dried it with a towel and re-install it. It worked perfectly. It is a great product.

Kato is fabulous.  I almost used it for my chainsaw, but thought I wanted to save money (those switches are pricey and I was going to use at least 20-25 - well over $500 just for the switches).  I went the Fast Tracks route with ME flex track, but Unitrack will certainly do the job for you.  And as others have mentioned, its bulletproof.  Perfect electrical connections and you don't have to fasten it to anything until you get to the point of scenery, but I'd bet even then you wouldn't actually need to fasten it down.  I ran about 8 different configurations on a 3x9 (I'm in N scale), and I never fastened it down once and it never moved once its all sitting together.  If you're OK with the sticker price, go for it.  And then start a blog here and show us what you're up to.

Thank you all for your responses.

Unfortunately, rfbranch, there are no clubs here to join, or even any one else that has a model railroad that I am aware of, at least not in my village. (I live on Haida Gwaii, Islands off the coast of British Columbia)

What a tremendous resource this web site is. Especially for some one like me who lives in an isolated area.

Thank you Mr Fugate (and your sponsors) for making this amazing resource available!

Mike

You're welcome, Mike. My guess is maybe 30% of our subscribers are similar to you - not a lot of other modelers nearby. Gotta love the modern internet - I like to say no longer do the people who share your interests also need to share your zip code, thanks to the internet ... (wink and grin)