Kato Track Question

Hey Guys,
I just moved into a new home just south of Vida, Missouri. I now have a nice garage where I can build a layout. My question is about Kato track. I decided build a 2 train DC controlled 5 x9 layout and I am going to go with Kato Unitrack because of the reliability of the switch turnouts. I have a couple of MRC Tech power packs I would like to use for train control. I plan on dividing my layout into blocks and using an Atlas selector. Will I have any issues using these power packs with Kato track?
FriscoGeorge

 

George, you should not have any problems using the Atlas controllers. Be sure to have track feeders on each section of track. On that note, you might want to consider using Peco flex track and turnouts, code 55 or 80. If you are going to have steam locomotives you want to use electro frog turnouts. The flex track will greatly reduce the need for track feeders and you can still use the Atlas controls.

Also you might consider using a layer of blue 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch insulation foam before installing roadbed and track so you can model below track level scenery. The 1 1/4 foam equals just over 9 feet in HO and almost 17 feet in N scale, enough for a small stream.

Joe

 

Hey Joe,
Thanks for the reply, but my question is actually about using MRC power packs not Atlas controllers. I don't want to have to use Kato power packs when I already have two perfectly good MRC power supplies. From what I can gather off the web they should work but I will have to remove the Kato wire coupling from the ends of the feeder. As for using Peco, I have already purchased Kato track for a 5 x 9 foot layout, so Peco isn't an option. I don't plan on using DCC, just plain old fashioned DC control. As for roadbed, I won't need it as Kato track comes with its own pre-ballasted roadbed, but I do plan on using 1" foam insulation board on top of the plywwod.
Thanks for the input,
George

 

Thanks! That means I have a LOT of track laying and scenery work ahead! Photos will be posted when I get it built.
George

 

George, We like to see photos of a layout as it's being assembled. A drawing would be great also.

Joe

 

Sounds good, I'll take some as soon as I get the table built and foam installed. Here is the web link to Kato track that shows my track plan: https://www.katousa.com/cgi-bin/dl/dl.pl?dl.mif,HO-plan-6.pdf
I will build it to the photo specs, except I am going to place a tunnel on the left side covering the outer main track, and a pond between that track and the left side inner passing track (Block A in photo).
I just got all my track I ordered and now have to go to the lumber store for the plywood, foam, and adhesive (Liquid Nails). See ya down the line.
George

 

George, on the caulking for the insulation foam, I used cheap tubes of bathroom caulking. You have to be careful with Liquid Nails, some of them will melt the foam and can get pricy. A credit card helps spread the caulking around and is easy to clean.

Joe

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to be careful. I have used Liquid Nails for foam before when I built a small 4 x 6 layout and had no problems. I never tried bathroom caulk. I know Gorilla Glue suppose to be good too. I have used their products before with good results, but the price is a little high.
George

 

Lowe's sells an adhesive caulk, "White lightning 3006" which is Foam safe. There are times that they have it in a clear and always in white. I have done a test on this in the past and it will pull apart, but will take some foam with it. I have used it to secure foam to wood, medal, and to foam. Not a very expensive product.

Tony LaLumia

 

J

I JUST WANTED TO TELL EVERYONE THAT MY LAYOUT PLANS ARE ON HOLD FOR NOW DUE TO FLOOD EROSION TO MY DRIVEWAY WHICH REQUIRES USE OF MY RAILROADING FUND TO CORRECT. I DO HAVE MOST OF MY TRACK THAT I NEED EXCEPT FOR THE RE-RAILERS, BUT STILL DON'T HAVE THE PLYWOOD TABLE BUILT. I WILL KEEP EVERYONE UPDATED WHEN CONSTRUCTION BEGINS.
George