But you still have to join. Why join if you have no interest. That's the point. Unitrack is popular and people join to find out more info about it. I have not been on this forum long and I had no idea there was a sticky until I just saw your post. It's all good. The track is not for everyone, but I'm not sure why.
The Unitrack Users forum was very popular before Charlie posted the sticky on top of the N scale forum. We now have 100 members in the four weeks that the group was formed.
George: You're the one that stated the above. In my posts in this thread I said that Unitrack was very versatile and flexible in track planning. Nothing more and nothing less. I didn't state that everyone should use Unitrack. I view things as the "glass being half full" and not the glass being half. I always discuss a subject first stating the positives, not the negatives. This is what you posted in this thread. George stated: "The poster asked for pro and cons. I just started with the cons first. I haven't gotten to the pros yet." You never did get to any positive statements in this entire dissertation......
George: You're the one that stated the above. In my posts in this thread I said that Unitrack was very versatile and flexible in track planning. Nothing more and nothing less. I didn't state that everyone should use Unitrack. I view things as the "glass being half full" and not the "glass being half empty". I always discuss a subject first stating the positives, not the negatives. This is what you posted in this thread. George stated: "The poster asked for pro and cons. I just started with the cons first. I haven't gotten to the pros yet." You never did discuss anything positive in your entire dissertation regarding Unitrack.
Well, I'm new to N scale and I am only going to have a small (HCD) layout. So, for me it was not the cost factor, but the comfort factor that swayed me to Unitrack. I have modeled HO and O scale and layed out those with combination flex and sectional track and all with cork roadbed, but when it came to N scale I was somewhat intimidated to hand lay my trackage and went with Unitrack. Personally, I'm glad I did as the trains runs smooth as glass on it and the noise is minimal using a two inch foam base. As for appearance, I'm really not a protypical type modeler, so for me it looks fine out of the package and as a matter of fact I actually like the "clean" look of it . So, I'm an very happy that I chose to go with it. Ralph.
I want to be the 101st Unitrack Group member (if it is not too late). How do I join? I'm probably overlooking it. ----------- Edit: I found it. I think I'm 101. I'll be posting as soon as I have running trains with with the help of "Grandure Lady", (more about her soon), should be by next week.
Wowsers Bob...maybe ya can go back and reread reply #10... I did say.. "Like Rick stated...for a beginner unitrack is 'bulletproof'. And yes...it can be mated to other brands of track." Sure sounds like a couple of positives to me...LOL. .
Steve: You can join the N Scale Unitrack Users Group by clicking on the link below: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/group.php?groupid=50
Hello, I am new to model railroading and I also chose to go with unitrack...I have just finished designing a large portion of my layout using the Unitrack template. The template was easy to use and designing the layout was incredibly fun and rewarding...I'm not sure how many versions I did by the time I was done, but no matter...lol. I was an art major in college so appearance is pretty important to me. I bought a package of unitrack...four straight pieces, to check out what it looked like before I took the plunge. I have to say, that even though it looks pretty good...I figured it would never look as good as the "real deal" in model railroads. Then came this forum and Powersteamguy and his layout...it was because of his layout that I realized that with the proper technique, patience and perserverence my layout could look as good as any out there. Now with Unitrack I don't have to worry about my train running properly or invest large amounts of time laying track, but rather I can spend time on the parts that I find most enjoyable, modeling and scenery design. One more thing that I really like about it is the versatility. I have no yard in my layout design but I do have room for one. If I choose to add one it is simple a matter of buying the V3 expansion pack and slapping it into place. Tooo nice.
Welcome to the forum Dic. Enjoy planning, building and running your layout. You've made a good choice.
Unitrack Thanks for the respones everyone. Basically the conversion track is bogus like I thought. As for the big plug I will cut them off and run them through to connect to the bus line below the table. Working in sunnyside yard in Queens as a conductor on a yard job I have been observing more closely the rail and associated parts for use towards making the unitrack more realistic. Steamguy on your website did an awsome job of making his look like it not even unitrack[hard to tell if it is unless you knew before hand!] Thats what I aspire to. Once I figure out how to post photos[never did it before] with my new sony digital camera[W150] I will be glad to post progress on the double deck monster I'm trying to create. Maybe bit off more than I can chew but I'm in no rush!
Ok, gross metaphor... but with TrainBoard on you can bite off as much as you want. We'll help you chew.
Bob, George and all tuned in. Ok you two... :we2-policeman: LOL. Aren't these funny faces something else? No, no, relax. I'm only jumping in to make a point. Don't beat me up. Ouch, oooh yikes, zap, blam... ok, ok, I get it...grin! Perhaps this will help. After many years as a model railroader... working in everything from N scale to G gauge. Well almost everything...heck, I can't see Z scale. I can say with assurance that you can hand me any style or type of manufactured track and I can work it into a custom built layout. Isn't every layout custom built? Unitrack is no different. Even as I write my dremel tool, equipped with a cutting disc, is sitting there wondering what track we get to dice and slice up next. It's just going to have to take a time out. I will cut back the curved section of a #6 Unitrack switch to lessen the S curve and allow me to install a crossover. Downside: I do wish they would make a larger radius switch. For quality, thinking back to a previous discussion about Oxidation... Nickel Silver Rail and Kato Unitracks product line. And, not wanting to re-invent that discussion. Kato's nickel silver is without a doubt the BEST out there. I'm also pleased with Atlas, Nickel Silver. What oxidation that does occur is minimal and easily removed or cleaned off with a rag, bright boy and/or cleaning car pad. I just went out to demo my layout for the first time since our first snow back before Christmas. The layout hasn't seen much in the way of operations for almost three months. You need to know, I was out there Friday, cleaning my track with a rag and running my track cleaning cars. As the MOW trains with a cleaning car in tow, made the first round. I did note some stalling and hesitation requiring a 0-5-0 hand nudge. Second time around was better and the third... just like new. Kato Unitrack is pricey. I think I said that earlier? Like anything else... you get what you pay for. If quality is what you are looking for? I think it is safe to say...Kato and Atlas qualify. Peco, nudging in as a member of the tribe. Well my good friends thanks for letting me in on all the fun. Now, you have some pro's and con's. Well, pro's anyway. With today's products one can build a layout in hours or spend your whole time from now till eternity laying track. Your choice. Whatever, rings your bell. You better go out and buy some Kato Unitrack...grrrrrrr! LOLlaugh: Have fun!
Welcome to TrainBoard John. I like the easy questions. It is definitely an easy fix. I pop the cover off the end that plugs into the feeder track or #4 turn out (sorry it does not work with a hardwired #6 turn out) and route only the wires through a 3/16" or 1/4" inch hole then reassemble the cover and plug into the track. With more skill and a piece of thin wall brass tubing of the correct size you can release the wires from the plug of the #6 turn out and pull off a similar feat. Technique - undo the plastic cover halves with your finger nail. Run the wires through the table/foam from the bottom side. Tape the ends to reduce snagging. Reassemble by placing the wire ends in the cover half with the "clips" on it facing up. Place the wires in the cover half (flat side of metal plugs facing down) and hold with your forefinger and thumb. Snap the other half of the cover in place by starting one side first. Presto! Note: white (black for #4 turn out) colored wire on the left / blue (red for #4 turn out) colored wire on the right for polarity purposes. Enjoy! Jerry
I think whether or not you like Unitrack yourself, if it gets new N scalers into the hobby more easily and keeps them here then it has to be good. When I built my Japanese interurban layout I had the track laid and trains running within an hour of the package arriving, and it only took that long because I tried a few variations of the track plan.
