Kato UNITRACK

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Stormboy

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Just getting into this hobby. I want to go with HO but my room will only allow a layout of 3.5 x 5. My question: I see that Kato track curves are at 26” as a radius. Would this mean I would need a wider layout. Am I interpreting this correctly? Thanks
 
Yes a 26” will yield a 52” circle, and keep in mind this would be the center line so you’d need close to five and a half feet basically.
There are tighter radius, if not Kato brand then others that would allow a small locomotive to run successfully.
The dimensions you have would suit N scale well, unless your heart is set on HO.
 


Stormboy said:
Just getting into this hobby. I want to go with HO but my room will only allow a layout of 3.5 x 5. My question: I see that Kato track curves are at 26” as a radius. Would this mean I would need a wider layout. Am I interpreting this correctly? Thanks
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Is continuous running a must have?

In the space you have, a small switching layout would be possible.
 
Continuous was my initial desire. May give switching a second look. I’ve been back and forth for the last two months. I have found a layout I like. This is driving me crazy. Lol
 
Stormboy said:
Guess I’ll start checking out the switching option. Suggestions or just go to YouTube?
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I think your best bet is to start looking on YouTube for inspiration and go from there.

Another option if you have a railroad in mind you’d like to model or get inspiration from, is to explore google earth and see if there’s any industries or industrial parks on that railroad you can model on your layout.
 
While Unitrack is probably the best pre-built track, there are other brands with smaller radii to build a small layout.
 


Stormboy said:
Just getting into this hobby. I want to go with HO but my room will only allow a layout of 3.5 x 5. My question: I see that Kato track curves are at 26” as a radius. Would this mean I would need a wider layout. Am I interpreting this correctly? Thanks
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How about a six inch shelf around the room with bridges for doors and windows?
 
Seems to me that Unitrack comes in "tighter" radius.
Looking through my Kato brochure, I see
2-270 -- 19 1/4" radius
2-260 -- 16 7/8" radius
2-280 -- 14 9/16" radius
 
Hello, you all have been super helpful and I appreciate it.
I have about made up my twisted brain and to go with N scale. I have a possible layout I like but need some input. I am adding a picture for reference. My space will be 3.5 x 5.5. Does this look possible in N scale or HO
on the space I have?
Thanks
 

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In HO, I am considering an Athearts Genesis EMD SD70ACU Locomotive that the recommended radius is a minimum 18 and recommended 22. Would you think I could go down to a 16.87 and 19.25, both?
 


Stormboy said:
In HO, I am considering an Athearts Genesis EMD SD70ACU Locomotive that the recommended radius is a minimum 18 and recommended 22. Would you think I could go down to a 16.87 and 19.25, both?
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The absolute minimum radius for that engine is 22", and at that radius you'll still have problems with it dragging the first car of a train off the rails on that curve.
 
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