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Tell me about Kato Unitrack

  Kato Unitrack is a modular track system for N scale model trains. It is made by Kato, a Japanese model train manufacturer. Unitrack is known for its high quality, durability, and ease of use. Unitrack is made of nickel silver rails and plastic ties. The rails are held together by a unique snap-together system that makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the track. Unitrack is also available with a ballasted surface, which gives it a more realistic appearance. Unitrack is compatible with most N scale locomotives and rolling stock. It is also compatible with DCC (Digital Command Control), which allows you to control your trains with a computer or handheld controller. Kato Unitrack is a popular choice for model train enthusiasts of all levels. It is a great choice for beginners because it is easy to use and set up. It is also a great choice for experienced modelers because it is high quality and durable. Here are some of the benefits of using Kato Unitrack: High quality: Kato Unit...
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Kato Points aka 'Turnouts' or 'Switches'

 I've used various words in  the title to keep international readers included, but I'll use the  general UK usages of 'points' below,



Kato produce three different 'sizes' of points:

#6  Left Right
#4  Left Right
Compact (not shown above)Left Right

 There's also the Y point, and the Double crossover, and then three different crossing types.

 

You'll see that the business bit of the point on the #4 is shorter than the same bit on the #6. This gives it a sharper radius. A sharp radius is useful if you want squeeze a lot of trackwork into a smaller area, but looks less realistic. Some trains may not run as smoothly over a tight radius, particularly at speed.

The 'compact' points take a short radius to the extreme. They will only work with short-wheelbase locomotives and trams.

All the points have a built in solenoid motor to 'throw' the point blades. They can be switched manually with the small black lever on top.

All the switches have small screws on the underside, to determine how the power is routed across the blades, frog and frog rails.  Check the guidance in the packet, as they are a bit different on each type.

DCC tips: https://wiringfordcc.com/switches_kato.htm

 

Double-crossover: This switch is long, 310mm, and has two parallel tracks with Kato’s standard double-track offset of 33mm and four switches controlled by a single electrical input. All four switches are either lined for straight or for crossings.

The switch has another quirk: not only are the two mains insulated from each other, but each switch on the same track is insulated from the other (on the same rail). Thus, if you put this element on a track that isn’t a loop, you need to feed power to the rails on both sides.
 


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