Unitrack Page

Disclaimer - Please note that other than documenting the history of Unitrack, the world's most popular track system with incorporated roadbed, this page also factually highlights the alternatives to using it, and attempts to show why it is not the best option. Because Kato have aggressively marketed Unitrack in the USA, and other parts of the world, it is usually seen as the 'only' available option, however Tomix's track systems are more popular than Kato in Japan, and it is unfortunate that they do not promote their products outside of Japan. So please do not take the intent of this page to be anti-Kato - the intent is to present the situation as accurately and unbiased as possible.

HISTORY

The development of track with built in roadbed is thought to have played a large part in the development of N scale model railways in Japan. Because of the small space in most people's homes, there is not enough room for a permanent layout, so the trains have to be taken out and set up on the floor, and then put away again. Some of the original track types available were imported from Lima and Minitrix.

The first method of incorporating a roadbed was done by Greenmax in the 1970's who made a plastic roadbed system that was placed under the existing track. Several types of straigh and curves parts were available, as well as configurations for overhead track, and the gradients between ground level and overhead lines.

In 1977, Tomix was the first to create a track system that incorporated the rails in the roadbed. Kato's Unitrack did not appear until three years later, in 1980.

After this there was a rapid expansion in product lineup, including control systems. Kato also introduced the introductory set in a number of variations. Both Kato and Tomix's product has stayed relatively unchanged to the present day, and has not been bothered by the attempt by MicroAce to introduce their 'Diorama Rail' track system recently.

From October 1980, the Unitrack standard of 33mm track centres and a 248mm straight section was introduced (compared to the Tomix standard of 37mm track centres and a 280mm straight length), with 2 different curve radii (282mm and 315mm) available. Also made at this time was the 62 & 186mm straight, and the 718mm curve.

The first points (switches or turnouts) were the '#6' variation, with a radius of 718mm

Initially, 4 different special 'feeder' tracks were introduced - 186 & 248mm straights and the 282 & 315mm curves. This had the connections at the side of the track in the centre of the piece - contrasting with the Tomix track that had a separate feeder that could be place in any track section. In 1981 the 64mm feeder track was standardised upon, as well as the 'terminal unijoiner'.

6 different track sets were introduced in the 'A' series.

The product number was changed from 4 to five digits in 1982, and the hyphen used in 1987.

The 249mm, 348 & 381mm curves, as well as buffer tracks, diamond crossings, and scissors crossover were all released, as well as the station, overbridge and other structures. A series of six different 'B' track sets were also created. In 1984, the 124 & 64mm straight sections and 3 types of buffer rail were introduced.

The single overhead line series was introduced with a 5mm pier height variation, and the new 'S' joiner component. Initially there was 248mm straights, and 282 & 315mm curves. The single truss bridge was also created in several colours.

In 1987, along with the big change of the creation of the JR systems, was the change to the present logo, and the corporate colour of green. The HO line of Unitrack was also announced, and the N scale track base changed from brown to gray.

In 1996, the single piers for overhead track were discontinued, and were made available in sets only.

The '#4' points, with a radius of 481mm, were introduced, and were made in electric-only versions

Electronic items like the three light type automatic signal in 1991, and the automatic railroad crossing in 1994, were released to augment the range, and also in 1994 the #4 point was improved.

In 1996, the elevated double track system was introduced, and is of the concrete slab type most often used for Shinkansen lines. A large curve was introduced at the same time, with a 381/414mm radius. In 1997, the double track bridge, and overhead station sets were released.

In 1998, the product range was changed to include blister display packs, and item were sold in sets of 2 or 4, rather than individual pieces.

In 2000, the ground level double plate track system was released, however with nothing but straights and curves, there is nothing you can do with this system except make ovals of track. In 2001, a gradient section was created so that the ground level track could be joined to the elevated track sections.

Starting in 2003, the 'Geotown' range of buildings started to be released, with all items based on a 62mm configuration multiple to match the track sections.

In 2007, a new range of track with super-elevation on the corners was introduced, which included a ballasted concrete sleeper type base.

THE ALTERNATIVES

Tomix have in their range curved points, 'Y' points, 3-way point and double slips - non of which are available from Kato. They also have a larger range of curves which includes broader radii. The following table shows you the curves available from each system ...

**NB ** Kato's track centre distance is 33mm and Tomix's is 37mm. 

Of course because of Kato's marketing, Unitrack is well known in most parts of the world, and the Tomix track systems aren't. This is often the deciding factor when thinking about which is best to use. However all the Tomix items are readily available from 'Japanese Model Supplies' in Australia, who source all their products direct from Japan.  

Then you say it will cost too much to ship these items somewhere else in the world. Fair point, but the cost of shipping has already been figured into the price you pay for the items you can get at your local shop anyway, and shipping from Australia is not very expensive. Of course sending one item of track would cost more in shipping than the track itself, but if you do a larger order, then the shipping cost becomes very small in proportion. 

Full details of the Kato & Tomix range can be found on this page, and then select the 'Track' option in the menu on the left. 

Whole page contents and images copyright 2007 Doug Coster
Details current at 15/07/2007