Kato Track Install (newbbie need's help)

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Westec2002

New Member
Hi, Every one!

Like to start off by saying this is a great place for a "1st timer" like my self

My question is I have a foam board "pink" layout and I'm using Kato Unitrack whats the best way to install it to the foam? The layout is a N scale 3'x5' it will be moved around (packed up when not in use) so I want to make sure its secured properly, should it be painted before I install the track?

this is all new to me so please let me know how this should be done and in what steps

thanks

Bob
 
Very nice layouts! If mine comes out 1/4 as good i'd be a happy camper!

I used the foam glue to secure it to the plywood base but didnt know if it was any good to secure the track, I'll pickup a bottle of the tacky glue you mentioned

Thanks for taking time out to reply
 


You might also consider latex caulk. It's cheaper than the tacky glue and bonds quicker. You can get it for about $2 a tube at Wallyworld and one tube will glue down a lot of track.
 
Does anyone have experience in removing the track from a layout? I'll be affixing Kato track soon as well, but I know in years to come I may want to alter some things or salvage what I can when I start a new layout.
 
White glue, latex caulk, Aleene's Tacky, all of these will come apart with the right amount of scraping and force and leverage, and they are fairly easy to clean off of plastic surfaces of the sort you have with unitrack.
 
I've removed Atlas Code 55 flex track affixed with latex caulk by wetting the track and caulk with warm water, waiting a couple of minutes, then slipping a thin putty knife under the ties. The track came up fairly easily, and I was able to re-use it.

- Jeff
 
You're using hot glue...on foam...to glue down your Unitracks? And it's working good? I'm sure it's holding the tracks, but hot glue will normally melt the foam as soon as it's applied. This tends to make for a very uneven roadbed, since it won't melt all the foam to the same depth. Have you taken a level to the track in both directions (length and width) and made sure your track is level?
 


They have a "low temp" hot glue designed for foam its bin working well, no melting foam as of now used about 20 or so sticks
 
Ah, OK, I wondered if was the low temp stuff. I have that and it does work with only a little melting. However, it really bonds that plastic roadbed to the foam. If you ever have to change the track, you're going to tear up most of the foam along with it.
 
I done a little testing on some scrap peaces of foam I know what your talking about, I tried to keep the glue on the inside of the track in case I did have to pull some track up so if I have to I hope its not all that bad
 




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