A few hours ago, Kato posted on Twitter that they recieved an early sample of something that will "Knock the socks off" us Unitrack users. Kato hopes to show it off soon so were and when do you think the reveal/announcement will be and what do you think it may be?
Hopefully its nothing like " More prototypical U.S. tie spacing". That would definately 'knock the socks' off a ton of Unitrack users. Unitrack holds its resale value pretty good. An announcement like that would kill that resale value. Just sayin. YMMV
Can you imagine if they actually did what I mentioned they should do when Atlas announced their Tru-Track... I said Kato should consider redoing their track Code 55 with realistic American tie spacing. THAT would knock my socks-off... but.. it would really mean that old Unitrack becomes archaic... and loses most of its value. I doubt that Kato is going to do that... but... it would NOT make all of Kato Unitrack worthless... since one could slowly convert sections with the newer track (if it's Code 80). A neat trick would be to create a Code 55 Unitrack similar to Peco Code 55 that would line up with the Code 80 Unitrack and have American tie spacing The other more likely Kato announcement may be... they are creating some more intermediate radii to fit between the 15" and 19" or between 19" to 28" (or both). Other possibilities... larger radius turnout #8 or #10... or... curved turnouts to compete with Tomix.
I like the "...larger radius turnout #8 or #10... or... curved turnouts to compete with Tomix.' idea. The other scenerios are just too scary. ;-)
Loses its value?!!!.....lol It's model railroad track......why would 'newer', more prototypical looking track be a problem?....does the track that I already have magically lose the ability to be track?.... Does anyone here buy Kato Unitrack to 'flip it'?....is this an investment that my advisor didn't tell me about?...which stock exchange is it traded on? joking aside... even though I model with code 55 and code 40, I have plenty of Unitrack; I love it...I would love to see Unitrack in an American prototype...I've seen some beautiful layouts done with painted and ballasted Unitrack. I'm curious to see what thois announcement is about, but I'm not going to get on the 'speculation' bus.. Respectfully, ~Bruce
I bet it's a curved turnout, or more curve radii...although I hardly would think new curves would "knock our socks off". I seriously doubt we're talking North American tie spacing...Kato only makes North American stuff for a select group of Japanese collectors anyway...they could care less what we think about their ties. The only other thing I can think of is decoder equipped turnouts.
Awwwwwwwww comeon Bruce ! Take a guess...ya know ya wanna ! But then again...I suppose you already have... "...I would love to see Unitrack in an American prototype..." :teeth:
It is their new "Instant Layout". Just open the box, place it on any flat surface, and watch it assemble an empire without your ever lifting a finger!
Everything loses it's value that's what depreciation is all about. Never mind the socks. Tossed out a pair yesterday. They were my holy going to church socks. No value left.
True dat. BUT...like some some automobiles hold their value better then others...or some houses hold their value better the others...used Unitrack holds its value pretty well. If a modelers lays Unitrack and decides later he wants to go with say C55 track...he can take all the Unitrack off the layout...sell it...and recoup a good portion of his intial investment in it. Cant say that about most other track.
Just add water? Er, Power? I'ld like to see a single cross-over, a freight yard 3way turnout and yes, more curves.
