Kato unitrack 20-241 compact turnout.....can it be cut down?

[silverfox]

Well the summer's over, the motorbikes have now been all but put away so back to my trains!.......the first of my winter projects is to start another micro layout using Unitrack.

Due to the size constraints on this layout the 20-241 compact turnout will be a tad too long in the straight at 124mm, given that the motor is hidden inside the ballast can anyone tell me if there is any scope for cutting down the length of the straight component on this turnout??

Thanks in advance

Jason

[mr bachmann]

cant help but the tight curve oval is on offer at Gaugemaster for less than £20.


alan

[Malc]

You might be able to trim it down a small amount. The motor is a long coil that starts after the actuator lever, then after that is the switch for the frog polarity, but I wouldn't think it would protrude into the straight section by very much.

[Agrippa]

Rather than cut up a point and risk internal damage would it be simpler to use shorter lengths of track elsewhere on the layout?

[railsquid]

If you actually have one, try taking the back off and looking inside (if it's like the other point models the base will be fastened with small screws with non-standard heads, but can be removed using ordinary screwdrivers with some care). If it is similar to the #4 point, the mechanism will occupy most of the straight part.

[silverfox]

Thanks for the replies guys. The layout that this is intended for is tiny hence the requirement for such a short straight.

I think I'll have to bite the bullet and go and get one to see if I can perform the necessary surgery

I'll keep you posted.....good or bad!

Cheers all

Jason

[trainsdownunder]

Try asking the question direct to member Mike Fifer - he has a good knowledge of Unitrack workings and maybe able to offer advice.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=440

[silverfox]

There's nothing like taking the bull by the horns

A quick run out to Gaugemaster this arvo, some surgery with the trusty old razor saw and hey presto!



Track beds have been glued together and are setting whilst I'm typing this. A bit of soldering to do and we'll see if it's all worked.

Before anyone asks...Class 03's, 04's and the old style 08's will take the 117 radius bends........you never know the 33 might even work

[Agrippa]

Well done!  The curves will take an old class 25 as well.  I'm using the small curves
to build an Alpine style layout in a briefcase, just an oval , no points at present.

[silverfox]

I'm liking the sound of your project Agrippa, looking forward to some pics

Cheers for the Class 25 suggestion.

This is the first micro of mine to include points, I'm going to put a magnet under the road bed of the siding as a decoupler for use with the peco metal tabs which attach to the couplers, I'm hoping that this'll work out and give me total hands-off operation.......for a change.

Well that's the theory anyway!!

[silverfox]

Well here's the answer, yes it can!



This is the start of my next Micro layout. I'll be starting a new thread soon...Silverfox's box file layout!!!

Regards

Jason

[Agrippa]

Neat, look forward to more pix!

[Tank]

Very good work.