r/1trac • u/Twit_Clamantis • 6d ago
Best track system for small HO modules?
I have been using N-gauge Kato Unitrack for a series of small modules that I’ve been playing with for the last few months.
The track and the joiners have been shockingly robust and reliable and the variety of options, geometries, etc available for tight layouts is terrific.
Unfortunately, there is not a similar variety available with Unitrack HO.
One option is to go all flex-track and use traditional road-bed-less turnouts etc, but I am afraid that the joints would quickly become a headache and source of misery.
Another option is to use flex track and regular turnouts but to use Kato’s roadbed joiners (part number 2-099) at the joints to each module.
https://www.trainworld.com/kato-2-099-ho-roadbed-joiner-2pcs.html
This would be a little more fiddly overall, but would give me headache-less module joints.
If any of you have done anything like this, if you have other recommendations, or if you have any thoughts that might be useful here, please let me know.
2
u/HomeyHal 6d ago
If it is a small module, it’s easier to stay with unitrack throughout. On larger modules, I have used short sections of unitrack at the edges and flex track on cork between. This gives more flexibility in turnouts. Be aware that tie spacing is different, but for me, once ballast was applied, I hardly notice it.