Morning and Merry Christmas from the UK, hope Santa brought all your requirements?
Can anyone tell me the profile of `Kato Unitrack' is it Code 80 -55 or Kato's own.
Thanks in advance.
According to these sources it's code 80. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.powersteamguy1790.com/5.html">http://www.powersteamguy1790.com/5.html</a><!-- m -->
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2009/01/unitrack-obersten.html">http://quinntopia.blogspot.com/2009/01/ ... rsten.html</a><!-- m -->
Its code 80.
I am told its design is base on Japanese track.
However,after converting to Unitack I won't go back to using any other brand.The switches is plug and play and works flawlessly.
Thank you, I am now certain to go the unitrack route. Funds are very limited so I will have to start with a small kit at first I was thinking along the lines of Set M2 to begin with and a loco with a few cars just to get me going. I have not got a plan in mind at the moment but as and when funds permit I will progress further.
Any advice as to how I am starting out would be greatly appreciated? It looks like we are very limited here in the UK for Kato gear and to import direct from the states can be costly due to the taxes and import duties payable.
If anyone has any thoughts on another way to get started please feel free to advise.
There are several UK suppliers of Unitrack. Here's just a few.
Model Junction <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.modeljunction.info">http://www.modeljunction.info</a><!-- m -->
Osborns <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.osbornsmodels.com/">http://www.osbornsmodels.com/</a><!-- m -->
Train Trax <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.traintrax.co.uk/">http://www.traintrax.co.uk/</a><!-- m -->
If you buy direct from Japan and the cost of your order is under £18.00 then you don't have to pay Import VAT.
Good Ebay shops in Japan are Plaza Japan and Hit-Japan.
Also worth considering is Tomix Fine Track. It needs a special adaptor track for joining to Kato as the track bed is lower and not so wide.
Well I have made a start, bought a Kato Super Chief set and some extra track to get me going, off out to my shed now to formulate a plan of attack as to how I am going to proceed. Could do with a bit of help really, I live in the UK thus I am not familiar with what would be a good, yet simple road to model would like to do some switching with a opportunity for running diesel trains coal and or freight, another question from me is. Which, in the experienced modellers opinions, are the model manufacturers to steer away from performance and quality wise.
My shed size is 13ft by 9ft 6ins so I should be able to get a decent layout in there.
Regards
Lots of layout ideas here. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kato-unitrack.co.uk/kato-n-unitrack-track-plan-ideas-815-0.html">http://www.kato-unitrack.co.uk/kato-n-u ... 815-0.html</a><!-- m -->
For a fully comprehensive guide to locos, in my opinion, there's no better place than the N-Scale Locomotive Encyclopedia. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/locos.html">http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/locos.html</a><!-- m -->
He also has guides on Freight Cars, Cabooses and Passenger Cars. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/trainstuff.html">http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/trainstuff.html</a><!-- m -->
I heartily agree with the links listed above...they're a great starting point for layouts and equipment.
I'd guess most modelers fit into two broad categories...those who model a specific area, branch, or division of a real railroad...and those who made their own layout plans that generally fit a time period, location, or design constraint. There's no single "right" answer to "what to model" in my opinion. Whatever you'd like to see, wherever that location might be, during whatever time period, is fine. The great thing about this hobby is that you can really do whatever you want.
Plus, the really great thing about this website is that no one will fault you for the design decisions you make or what you plan on running. I've read too many other forums where people, especially new to the hobby, are hit hard by critical comments from others condemning their efforts if it's not exactly like the prototype or doesn't meet certain design principles. Around here, you'll find information, encouragement, polite critique, and help. I'd be typing for hours trying to list all the great help, support, critique, ideas, and encouragement I've received from the great members of this forum.
So start with an idea...maybe a particular location you'd like to model, or time period. Decide what engines or cars you'd like to see running. Figure out the amount of space you'll need to execute your layout idea, then begin! There's plenty of quality manufacturers out there that offer more choices in track, equipment, digital command and control, scenery that will fit whatever you're trying to model. But most of all remember...this is your layout so make it the way you'd like it to be.
Great site, but I've have never understood posting an e-mail address that requires a major submission of data. I call these "non-e-mail addresses" designed to work as firewalls rather than receptors.