Kato Unitrack N Scale Layout Expansion Announcement - Update 26

[@NitroStarGT]

Ya'll help me out: What do you think the "standard" or normal acceptable radius curve would be in N scale that would fit in small places but not cause issues with normal size locos and cars, be it normal passenger cars or freight? 11", 12", 15", 25", etc... higher? Kato outer loop set is 13 3/4" radius. Kato inner loop set is 11" radius. I would assume their 12 3/8" radius is the middle ground??

[@cbirailroad]

I try to keep the minimum radius to 315mm or 12.375" in Kato Unitrack. GP's and even SD's will run fine on smaller radii in most cases, but 80' passenger cars look odd. Of course the manufacturer will tell you otherwise. I also put a straight section, at least 124mm, between all reverse curves regardless of radius.

[@NitroStarGT]

@cbirailroad This is a good method for sure and should keep from having issues. I have a couple places that are not perfect on my layout but I have redone some track to fix a few also. Especially around industries for switching. Thanks for this

[@jimmy4230]

Very nice, good move stick with the #6 turn outs

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks. I've already done a LOT more adjustments using the SCARM software. I've widened it 2" and using the 12 3/8" radius curves and moved the intermodel yard down into the expansion where it will fit a LOT better. Now I can put a sawmill or something in that area 😉

[@shashanonnie6897]

Can’t wait to see it all come together

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks a lot

[@cbirailroad]

And it begins... 😀. My layout in the garage has seen at least 5 expansions. Once I sold my Miata a month ago I have no need to share space with a car, so once again - wait for it - LAYOUT EXPANSION. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves. Ron

[@NitroStarGT]

Great stuff LOL. All I can fit in the room is an inflatable mattress. I did take out my sim racing cockpit.

[@davestrains6816]

Very nice, thanks for sharing. Dave

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks for watching Dave! These ideas are subject to change so come back and see LOL

[@N-Scale]

Gonna be pretty cool !!!!

[@NitroStarGT]

Yes 😉. Plan will probably change though LOL

[@J2NscaleModelTrains]

Beautiful roundhouse!

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks. I do have a lot of fun with the turntable and roundhouse.

[@RealTalkPowersports]

Me and Ayden are watching

[@NitroStarGT]

Good morning!

[@gerdeguelle1967]

Nice layout

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks for stopping by

[@W_Grizzified]

I have 11 inch radius on my layout and one on my 6 axle scaletrains locos likes to get one axle off the rails once in a while. I’m putting re-railers on the start and finish of my corners to keep it on.

[@W_Grizzified]

I also have a loop with R9 3/4, all but the one scaletrains loco mentioned above handle that too without issue.

[@W_Grizzified]

Watch out for the S-curve you have on the left side of your runaround (near the 61” marking on your plan). I’d try to get a straight section in between if you can or test it out with any longer cars you have.

[@NitroStarGT]

Gotcha. Good info.

[@NitroStarGT]

Wow. That’s getting tight there! Glad most all of the locos handle it well 👍

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks for that catch! I have already tweaked the plan and had took that S out but hadn’t thought about it until you mentioned LOL. I have a newer plan and will share it in another video. New plan is smoother when going around the staging or bypassing it up high now. Thanks for all the tips and your experiences. That’s what I was hoping to get!

[@ronhart4166]

If I am not too late ! I would recommend you to NOT use the inner loop set. Stay with the standard curve set. I have the inner loop set and when pulling long passenger cars like the New York set and sometimes the coal cars. I will often have derailed issues coming out of the tight curves. My track is very similar to your layout. NO grades and perfectly flat track. I often think about adding another 6" in dept to my layout. My old layout with 30" dept NEVER had issues.

[@NitroStarGT]

You are NOT too late at all my friend. I didn't take time in the video to ask for opinions and "what do ya think" but I meant too! I haven't bought any extra materials yet. I am trying to keep the baseboard narrow as possible due to the far right corner already being 36" deep by 32" which is right at impossible to reach the far right corner but I only have one turnout at end if yard but not all the way in the corner so I can fix derailments. I have my original turn fixed with 2 pieces of 315-15 curves which is 12 3/8" radius that my passenger trains can go on to bypass the staging addition. Do you think these two pieces would cause troubles?

[@AngryDragon85]

My kato intermodal are barely happy on the standard radius, just another thought to consider

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks for the info! What is considered the "standard radius"

[@AngryDragon85]

@NitroStarGT for me it's now the curve in the V6 set, but I think standard is the M1 set curve

[@NitroStarGT]

Thanks! That's about what I've nailed down since you and RonHart let me know your experiences. I'm gonna try my 2 Passenger train sets on my 315 inner track and see how they get along. One is the Big Boy with City of Los Angeles and the other is Daylight steam with matching cars. Looks like I'll let the top baseboard overhang the frame a couple inches or cut 5 new cross braces