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#4 Switches
John would like to hear opinions on Kato #4 Switches:
I don’t know if Kato N-Scale Unitrack is available where you happen to be, but I have found it to be very good, above manufacturers of other roadbed track such as Atlas and Bachmann. However, I have trouble with Kato’s #4 Switches, and I was wondering if others have had trouble with them. #4’s are good to save some space on a small layout or a yard, but the short straight sections that come with the switch to make the track fit bring it out longer, almost to #6 size. The #4 configuration on the back end of the switch can be confusing, and it seems like the modeler has to put power sections all over the place or the engine will stop. #6 switches are power routing but run much better, and can be used on some small layouts.
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yeah i use them also after i just sold almost all my atlas n scale stuff ..my problem with the number 4 is the point spring is not very strong to keep them tight to the outer or inner rail and some times the wheels jump the frog so i have ver few of them on the layout …I have no problem with the tracks they give in the package .explain your problem in depth thanks brian
Brian, the Kato #4 switches are no problem anymore, as I gave them away. The Kato #6 switches cost less than the #4, and run much better.
I like Atlas and Atlas Trainman for locos and cars, but their track has to be roadbedded and ballasted, which you don’t have to do with the N Kato Unitrack. Unitrack doesn’t look as realistic and is somewhat limited, but having the roadbed and ballast already on the track to me is worth the trade-off when it has to be taken up. Atlas and Bachmann roadbed track is a pale comparison to Unitrack.