Kato Unitrack question

Trains Jan 21, 2018

  1. Trains

    Trains TrainBoard Member

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    What the best way to mount unitrack to plywood? Is it best to put some sound deading under it?
    Don
     
  2. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I use Unitrack directly on plywood inside THERR RV. I have zero 'noise' issues. I used latex caulk to 'glue' it down. My layout is in a non temperature controlled enviornment. Temp swings from near zero in the winter to 100+ in the summer. I have never had my track move in any direction. I have when I used other methods to attach it to the plywood in the past. JMO (y)
     
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  3. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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  4. mightypurdue22

    mightypurdue22 TrainBoard Member

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    Elmer's Glue-All, maybe Wood Glue. With either of these, you can remove fairly easily. If you go with liquid nails or even hot glue on wood, you may damage track removing it some day down the road. Many people will use rigid insulation foam beneath, which allows them to modify the terrain lower than the track's elevation. Directly to plywood is just fine as well, just depends on your preferences for scenery.

    Dave
     
  5. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    I've always liked Aileen's tacky glue more than Elmer's. It is a first cousin (water soluable, cheap white glue), but unlike Elmer's it does not dry rigid. It is still flexible. Just like Elmer's, a small amount of water and it becomes liquid white glue again. I believe that it also sticks to a broader range of surfaces.

    As Dave suggested, I would NEVER use any kind of permanent glue with UniTrack.
     
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  6. GiantRoboJustin

    GiantRoboJustin New Member

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    I'm in the same boat as the OP. I'm looking at how to mount Unitrack to some modules with plywood tops. I bought a roll of Imagination Station cork from Hobby Lobby, but it's a bit more stiff and crumbly than I thought, which got me wondering if it might have problems over time due to shrinkage and/or cracking.

    I kinda like the Aileen's tacky glue idea. If it stays flexible after drying, I wonder if a bead around the base of the roadbed could double as a mild sound buffer as well...
     
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  7. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I have used hot glue, and tacky glue. Both work well
     
  8. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Aileen's tacky glue has as slight rubbery consistency so it does allow some tiny movement.
     
  9. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    I'm assuming this is a good thing. Right?
     
  10. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    It is good for when the temp and humidity causes the bench work to expand
     
  11. engineer bill

    engineer bill TrainBoard Supporter

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    I used hot glue on my hollow core door layout 8 years old & latex caulk on my T-trak mods both have held up fine. The Kato track is bullet proof!
     
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  12. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    [QUOTE="engineer bill, The Kato track is bullet proof![/QUOTE]

    My 9mm Glock says otherwise...... sorry could not resist
     
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  13. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    R O F L M A O David !!!:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
  14. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Yes!
     
  15. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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  16. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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  17. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I almost went with the clear. Last minute took the slate gray. Unitrack has a gray-ish look. the Dap is paintable. Think I may try a dry brush of white to blend it.

    A very small bead of the Dap where the Unittrack meets the plywood...spread with finger and your done. I did mine 4 years ago and it hasnt moved...buckled...shifted...no ski jhmps...no snake looking track. It just stays put.

    I highly recommend it (y)(y)(y)(y)(y)
     
  18. nd-rails

    nd-rails TrainBoard Member

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    Track nails.
    Everything else is cosmetic.
     
  19. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I don't think track nails work well with Unitrack. If a mechanical fastener is desired, Unitrack is designed to be screwed from the bottom up. And locating that post from the bottom up can be challenging.

    Unitrack is not designed to be nailed from the top like typical track though there is nothing stopping you from doing that.
     
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  20. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    I'm guessing this is a joke.
     

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