I recently found out there was Kato flextrack. It looks just like Atlas Code 80 flex... but may not have the same 'flexing' characteristics. Has anyone used this Kato flex track and if you have comparative info for it versus code 80 Atlas, Peco or Micro-Engineering versions??? Thanks for your replys in advance.
I've been googling and I cant find it anywhere...yet. And just as I typed that. I found it on Kato's website...lol https://www.katousa.com/images/unitrack/21-000.jpg https://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/flexible.html I am guessing it is much like Atlas C80 flex track but with the Unitrack tie spacing...
Very possible about the tie spacing. Some have mentioned that Kato uses a nickel-silver alloy that is more conductive than other brands... but I cannot confirm that.
From Kato's website... "Kato's Flexible Track sections use the same exact nickel-silver alloy as our UNITRACK, meaning the rail height will be a perfect match with other UNITRACK components, and will have the same low-oxidation properties that makes UNITRACK so reliable and easy to keep clean!" ....the best that I can confirm. .
Based on experience (from running at train shows) and usage (by club members) Kato Unitrack's metallurgy seems to have some of special sauce that makes it stay clean longer, i.e., less oxidation and what not, than other manufacturers '.
Kato makes a short adapter to connect unitrack to flex track or other brands of track, however one could just use regular joiners. As far as the flex goes one could use any brand of cork or foam roadbed. The Kato adapter does make in nice on the transition to different levels of track and I am using one to connect my unitrack to a short spur that is all Atlas,
I won't have room for it on my railroad, but I think Kato's flex track would be great for replicating a weedy branch line and the contrast of it coming off a high-profile main line, through the adapter track and into the dirt and weeds would be cool looking.
That would look good around here. A lot of unused tracks along Lake Winnebago, the Rock River and Neenah Slough.
No special sauce involved, just basic science. Kato track like Peco track has a higher percentage of nickel to brass than Atlas. Nickel oxidizes just like brass but nickel oxide is electrically conductive whereas brass oxide is not.
