The coils are available as Part No. 0107. They are the same for all turnouts no matter L or R or curved. I think Tomix is the largest N-Scale manufacturer worldwide. The Tomix track system is much more diverse compared to Kato. Parallel tracks are 37mm apart vs. 33mm Kato. I recommend to get a catalog. It's in Japanese with some english. Easy to understand for me.
What I found interesting is the Tomix 1246 Electric Double Slip Turnout N-PXL140-15(F) and the Tomix 1262 3-way Electric Turnout N-PLR541/280-15. I will move towards Tomix when I start (after I move to my new house) my construction. The three way would be useful in the yard set up. Instead of laddering single switches.
I have a Tomix double track bridge that works nicely with the Peco Code 55 that we use on our club layout. Not only is the bridge detailed nicely the track is excellent.
For the Tomix System the type is really wide is less published on USA but the type and quantities is wider than Kato. I suggest you to buy the TOMIX catalog and see inside. Is in Japanese but is easy understandable, for the translation you can use google on the smartphone . The motor for the switch is available as spare you can easily buy. for the measure you can read on the box or under normally they have two number one is the length and one is the angle (i.e. 140-15 140 is the length and 15 is the angle of the curved section)
Thanks for the video I wasn't sure they were compatible until now! Another important track Tomix makes that Kato lacks besides the curve turnout is a slip switch. Important for yard and passenger terminals. I don't quite understand why Kato has omitted them.
very interesting thanks yeah might look into that I realy liked the part where the conversion track is used for the tomix track awesome .....very informational
That yard idea is brilliant. In my new layout plan, I have a large 4-platform station that my mainline passes through. The branch line also makes its way onto platform 1 where it joins with the main line. In my plan I am making the branch line out of Tomix Fine Track to give the illusion of a lesser-used branch line that goes off into the distance.
Hi Mike Thanks much for tis video. It does answer some questions I have / had. I'm going to be using the Kato Unitram track for a city Tram layout. Not sure if Tomix even has that.
@@AlessandroOrsi I've since found that out. In some ways I prefer the Tomix not the least but for the auto stop sensors. OH well I got too much into the Kato for now. Thanks Happy New Year
Thanks Mike, I am interested in idea of creating a yard with a lower profile therefore I could see "marrying" the Tomix with Kato which I have been using several years simply by employing Kato 20-045 transition and using the Tomix straight track for my main stub end freight yard. I regret you did not show any of the straight Tomix track or mention the lengths available. Thanks again!
Mike, Thanks for the review. It is the best head-to-head analysis I have seen. Now the question is, are you going to start stocking Tomix track? It is a real pain to have to buy it from the Japanese importers. And you didn't get into the area where Tomix really outshines Kato Unitrack. That is in the Tram or street-running track. Tomix has a much broader line of Tram track, including turnouts built into the roadway. And their streets are much easier to use than the Kato street track, which tries to incorporate lane markings, parking lots, etc. Since you drive on the left in Japan, those features make using the Kato pieces very cumbersome. Let us know if you start handling Tomix track - I would be glad to be your first customer. I am more than ready to get away from those pesky #4 Kato turnouts. Terry N.
We will not be stocking it as the prices here are too high and not all the parts are available here. I have just never used the street track and we sell very very little of the small sizes of any track , it just never occurred to me. Thanks , Mike
+Ozzie Flipper I hear you and you do have some good major points. Not everyone has a smart phone and in the US we do not understand Millimeters very well was all I was pointing out. Thanks , Mike
After years of my trains being packed away I finally unboxed and set up a test track using Kato. As things expanded I elevated a section using Kato bridges and then expanded more onto the carpeted floor. I liked the look of the double track 24 inch Tomix arch bridge so ordered two of them, adapted a couple of Kato and set to running trains. Now here is the interesting part, Kato track can be a bit noisy however as the trains transitioned to the Tomix section the noise dropped by about half. I was surprised, guessing it has to something in the formulation of the plastic by Tomix versus Kato. Now I'm considering selling off all my Kato and ordering Tomix just because of the noise reduction.
@@N-Scale The description was for the purpose of describing the difference in noise levels and how I noticed. Besides, lots of people run their trains on the floor.
@@msomething3579 I do this for a living and Running on CARPET will shorten the running life of Loco's by about 70%. Carpet fibers and other floor fibers will soon ruin your locomotives. But do what makes you happy as it is supposed to be fun.
I used TOMIX for my HOn30 micro layout because of the very tight 9" radius curves. But thea also have a easement system they helps the sectional track look more natural. The switches work well but are a bit on the fragile side. All in all i was able to make a 30" X 40" layout that runs very well.
Restraining guard rails at the point of switch ARE prototypical especially in light rail transit. The one on the curved stock rail saves the straight stock rail from severe gauge face wear.
Hello,Mike. 15 degrees means 24 pieces to a full circle. The 21 radius, may be just that, rather than being a numbered frog, it is a 21" radius curve on the diverging route, more wide than an Atlas #4
Hi. You say that you can't find any informations about radius, arc segment turnout ankle or that. As European with use of metric system I've first spotted that familar 541 in type number. It sounds familar to common bigger radiuses in N gauge systems - measured in milimeter. So I do some research and found that Tomix has kind of "speaking part numbers". P has meaning of turnout (I don't know why ... maybe "track _P_oint"). L is for "left" and "541" is the radius in "mm". The "15" behind the dash is the arc segment in degree. There are also part "C" for "curve" with the same numbering: radius in mm and arc in degree. And finaly ther a "S" for straight folowing by lengt in mm. So if you do the adventure and dive into metric system you may read the part numbers without learning one word of japanese.
Hi. Yes I am thinking Tomix. The reason why is that they have a huge range of Japanese style yards, stations, town buildings etc. My N Scale will be JR themed. With that joiner I will be able to put Kato flexi track to it. Here in Australia Tomix is not used. So I think Hobby Search or Paz’s Japan will be the place.
Mike these are twin coil switch machines judging from the video. Since I use NCE switch kat decoders for my Kato turnouts I would then use NCE snap it for tomix turnouts. Is this correct. Thanks for your great videos you have really helped me. BTW how is your HO switching layout coming? Rich
+MIchael Fjordback Yes. Tomix fine track is code 80. Fortunately for me, my eyes aren't good enough to see the difference from more than about ten inches, so it works out just fine for me, as I'm not a rivet counter.
Just bought a 2002 micro train beer train set at the Atlanta show. It came as a starter set with tomix track. Was wondering if the fine track will work with, what I am assuming I have, regular tomix track? Thanks.
Another question. I bought one of the Tomix 3 way turnouts. Can I use the Kato turnout switch/controller and will it work or do I have to buy the Tomix one. I don't care about the plug and play aspect of it because I can cut and connect the wires if the Kato controller will work.
Thank you Mike for the nice review, I enjoyed it. Question: do you know if Tomix switches cords plugs directly into Kato switch controls. I.o.w. are they compatible with Kato 'plug 'n play' connect system?
hey mike ty for doing this video. i have found at a source a double cross over is the most expensive piece to buy at 63 and some change. they also have a turntable and roundhouse as far as track goes. did the micro trains have any problems with tomix?
hey mike one more question on the wiring of kato turnouts when you hook the wires to the power it that just on the accessory side of any power pack ...and is 26 gauge wire ok for them bell wire
Tomix is good track but $$$$$ and everything is made in china, buy American when you can. Great video and info Mr. Mike. Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com :{)
Hi Mike, I have Unitrack at home. I did buy a full setup for a briefcase layout I built out of Tomix fine track. They have a line of extremely sharp curves and small switches. The switches would be like a #2. I used to run a plymouth switcher with 40' boxcars, very successfully.
Mike these are twin coil switch machines judging from the video. Since I use NCE switch kat decoders for my Kato turnouts I would then use NCE snap it for tomix turnouts. Is this correct. Thanks for your great videos you have really helped me. BTW how is your HO switching layout coming? Rich
Thanks Rich , These are also polarity reversing like the Katos , they are 2 wires coils. The HO was torn out early last year. We needed the space for another project. Thanks , Mike
I didn't intend to use the turnouts but rather just see them in person. It is too hard to be in to many scales so I will stick with N and G outside for the grand kids. Mike
The coils are available as Part No. 0107. They are the same for all turnouts no matter L or R or curved. I think Tomix is the largest N-Scale manufacturer worldwide. The Tomix track system is much more diverse compared to Kato. Parallel tracks are 37mm apart vs. 33mm Kato. I recommend to get a catalog. It's in Japanese with some english. Easy to understand for me.
Interesting video. I like the Yard idea!
Me too , a little late for me but thought others may try it.
Thanks , Mike
What I found interesting is the Tomix 1246 Electric Double Slip Turnout N-PXL140-15(F) and the Tomix 1262 3-way Electric Turnout N-PLR541/280-15. I will move towards Tomix when I start (after I move to my new house) my construction. The three way would be useful in the yard set up. Instead of laddering single switches.
I have a design where the yard will require only six three way turnouts , three per side.
I have a Tomix double track bridge that works nicely with the Peco Code 55 that we use on our club layout. Not only is the bridge detailed nicely the track is excellent.
Thanks , Good tip Craig !
Mike
For the Tomix System the type is really wide is less published on USA but the type and quantities is wider than Kato. I suggest you to buy the TOMIX catalog and see inside. Is in Japanese but is easy understandable, for the translation you can use google on the smartphone .
The motor for the switch is available as spare you can easily buy. for the measure you can read on the box or under normally they have two number one is the length and one is the angle (i.e. 140-15 140 is the length and 15 is the angle of the curved section)
Thanks for the video I wasn't sure they were compatible until now! Another important track Tomix makes that Kato lacks besides the curve turnout is a slip switch. Important for yard and passenger terminals. I don't quite understand why Kato has omitted them.
very interesting thanks yeah might look into that I realy liked the part where the conversion track is used for the tomix track awesome .....very informational
Thanks , I think it would certainly have its uses if one was to just start using and combining the tracks.
Mike
That yard idea is brilliant. In my new layout plan, I have a large 4-platform station that my mainline passes through. The branch line also makes its way onto platform 1 where it joins with the main line. In my plan I am making the branch line out of Tomix Fine Track to give the illusion of a lesser-used branch line that goes off into the distance.
Thanks Brian.
Hi Mike Thanks much for tis video. It does answer some questions I have / had. I'm going to be using the Kato Unitram track for a city Tram layout. Not sure if Tomix even has that.
yes Tomix has tram layout too
@@AlessandroOrsi I've since found that out. In some ways I prefer the Tomix not the least but for the auto stop sensors. OH well I got too much into the Kato for now. Thanks Happy New Year
Thanks Mike, I am interested in idea of creating a yard with a lower profile therefore I could see "marrying" the Tomix with Kato which I have been using several years simply by employing Kato 20-045 transition and using the Tomix straight track for my main stub end freight yard. I regret you did not show any of the straight Tomix track or mention the lengths available. Thanks again!
Mike,
Thanks for the review. It is the best head-to-head analysis I have seen. Now the question is, are you going to start stocking Tomix track? It is a real pain to have to buy it from the Japanese importers.
And you didn't get into the area where Tomix really outshines Kato Unitrack. That is in the Tram or street-running track. Tomix has a much broader line of Tram track, including turnouts built into the roadway. And their streets are much easier to use than the Kato street track, which tries to incorporate lane markings, parking lots, etc. Since you drive on the left in Japan, those features make using the Kato pieces very cumbersome.
Let us know if you start handling Tomix track - I would be glad to be your first customer. I am more than ready to get away from those pesky #4 Kato turnouts.
Terry N.
We will not be stocking it as the prices here are too high and not all the parts are available here.
I have just never used the street track and we sell very very little of the small sizes of any track , it just never occurred to me.
Thanks , Mike
Thanks Mike , this just might be the right track for my 9 year old nephew, easy to use and sturdy, plus I think it looks a lot better then Kato
It may be a good choice but a lot less pieces available.
Thanks , Mike
+Ozzie Flipper I hear you and you do have some good major points. Not everyone has a smart phone and in the US we do not understand Millimeters very well was all I was pointing out.
Thanks , Mike
After years of my trains being packed away I finally unboxed and set up a test track using Kato. As things expanded I elevated a section using Kato bridges and then expanded more onto the carpeted floor. I liked the look of the double track 24 inch Tomix arch bridge so ordered two of them, adapted a couple of Kato and set to running trains. Now here is the interesting part, Kato track can be a bit noisy however as the trains transitioned to the Tomix section the noise dropped by about half. I was surprised, guessing it has to something in the formulation of the plastic by Tomix versus Kato. Now I'm considering selling off all my Kato and ordering Tomix just because of the noise reduction.
OK, NEVER run trains on carpet.
@@N-Scale The description was for the purpose of describing the difference in noise levels and how I noticed. Besides, lots of people run their trains on the floor.
@@msomething3579 I do this for a living and Running on CARPET will shorten the running life of Loco's by about 70%. Carpet fibers and other floor fibers will soon ruin your locomotives. But do what makes you happy as it is supposed to be fun.
I used TOMIX for my HOn30 micro layout because of the very tight 9" radius curves. But thea also have a easement system they helps the sectional track look more natural. The switches work well but are a bit on the fragile side. All in all i was able to make a 30" X 40" layout that runs very well.
Cool info Thom , Thanks .
Mike
I messed with Tomix Fine track but I couldn’t get past the fact that you can’t replace the connectors if they break.
That is the biggest thing.
Mike
Restraining guard rails at the point of switch ARE prototypical especially in light rail transit. The one on the curved stock rail saves the straight stock rail from severe gauge face wear.
I really like the Tomix track system. It looks very good and works very well.
Is there a “cobblestone” track system available in N scale? I thought there was a German manufacturer.
We do not carry any Euro Track so I do not know.
Thanks , Mike
Nice Input Mike About the Track I am Gonna Stick to Our Kato And Bachmann. N Scale.it’s Interesting But not Enough Input.
Hello,Mike.
15 degrees means 24 pieces to a full circle. The 21 radius, may be just that, rather than being a numbered frog, it is a 21" radius curve on the diverging route, more wide than an Atlas #4
OK , makes no sense to me why they would do it that way. I understand 15 degrees but I don't get where you got the 21 inch radius?
Thanks , Mike
Hi. You say that you can't find any informations about radius, arc segment turnout ankle or that.
As European with use of metric system I've first spotted that familar 541 in type number. It sounds familar to common bigger radiuses in N gauge systems - measured in milimeter.
So I do some research and found that Tomix has kind of "speaking part numbers". P has meaning of turnout (I don't know why ... maybe "track _P_oint"). L is for "left" and "541" is the radius in "mm". The "15" behind the dash is the arc segment in degree.
There are also part "C" for "curve" with the same numbering: radius in mm and arc in degree.
And finaly ther a "S" for straight folowing by lengt in mm.
So if you do the adventure and dive into metric system you may read the part numbers without learning one word of japanese.
Thanks Erwin, Mike
Thanks Bernard and thanks for subbing.
Mike
Mike good info to have. Have you seen the Kato Turntable video? Looks like they based it on the Tomix Turntable. Your thoughts?
Yep to me it looks very Japanese.
Mike
Ni Mike, Very Nice review, I've been wondering about the Tomix track. This answered a lot of my questions. Thanks, Steve
Thanks Steve , it seems like a pretty viable option.
Thanks , Mike
Hi. Yes I am thinking Tomix. The reason why is that they have a huge range of Japanese style yards, stations, town buildings etc. My N Scale will be JR themed. With that joiner I will be able to put Kato flexi track to it. Here in Australia Tomix is not used. So I think Hobby Search or Paz’s Japan will be the place.
Are Tomix and Kato compatible electrically? Do the Tomix plugs fit into the Kato control system plugs?
No they are not.
Mike
Thank you Mike; we will discuss this product in our MR club.
Studying On a New Breed of track. To mix Needs to Help us Understand the Brand Better. Wonder who has Bought That Brand.
Thanks again Mike - I will be using Peco code #55 as it is prototypical to the Australian rail system.
The Peco 55 is excellent to work with , I loved that stuff.
Mike
Mike these are twin coil switch machines judging from the video. Since I use NCE switch kat decoders for my Kato turnouts I would then use NCE snap it for tomix turnouts. Is this correct.
Thanks for your great videos you have really helped me. BTW how is your HO switching layout coming?
Rich
great review Mike.. thanks for sharing
vinny
Thanks Vinny, I just had to look at the stuff.
Mike
Tomix calls it "Fine Track", but is it still code 80 rail?
+MIchael Fjordback Yes. Tomix fine track is code 80. Fortunately for me, my eyes aren't good enough to see the difference from more than about ten inches, so it works out just fine for me, as I'm not a rivet counter.
i used tomix track to build a display lauout. worked well for continuous run trains
+Sandra J. Syx-Spears I would imagine it is a pretty good track system but we are discontinuing it because of availability issues.
Mike
Curved turnouts are measured by their radii and not the number of the frog.
Just bought a 2002 micro train beer train set at the Atlanta show. It came as a starter set with tomix track. Was wondering if the fine track will work with, what I am assuming I have, regular tomix track? Thanks.
It should work.
Thanks , Mike
Mike Fifer I took your advice and bought the Kato converter . A lot simpler than buying to mix from Japan. Thanks for the helpful video!
Thanks Frank , Glad to help.
Mike
Thanks Mike great review
Cheers Glynn
Thanks Glynn, I sort of like the look it gives. May be held back by cost and availability though. I did not even touch on that issue.
Mike
Another question. I bought one of the Tomix 3 way turnouts. Can I use the Kato turnout switch/controller and will it work or do I have to buy the Tomix one. I don't care about the plug and play aspect of it because I can cut and connect the wires if the Kato controller will work.
I have no idea as we no longer carry the track.
Mike
Thank you Mike for the nice review, I enjoyed it. Question: do you know if Tomix switches cords plugs directly into Kato switch controls. I.o.w. are they compatible with Kato 'plug 'n play' connect system?
No they do not . They have a totally different plug.
Mike
Mike, you sell that Kato/Tomix adapter track piece at the store?
fiferhobbysu770.corecommerce.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=12769
Thanks , Mike
hey mike ty for doing this video. i have found at a source a double cross over is the most expensive piece to buy at 63 and some change. they also have a turntable and roundhouse as far as track goes. did the micro trains have any problems with tomix?
Dan Ward Thanks Dan , Mike
Is this track compatible with other brands...bachmann's for example?
No.
Thanks , Mike
Très intéressant, merci.
hey mike one more question on the wiring of kato turnouts when you hook the wires to the power it that just on the accessory side of any power pack ...and is 26 gauge wire ok for them bell wire
I would say bell wire is fine and power supply needs to be DC and I would recommend 12 - 18 VDC MOMENTARY pulse.
Mike
where do you get those and what did you use
trackspike64 Any DC supply will work and we sell the switches.
Thanks , Mike
That Track a looks like a B Side of Kato Track.
Tomix is good track but $$$$$ and everything is made in china, buy American when you can. Great video and info Mr. Mike.
Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com :{)
It is and thanks for looking.
Mike
Hi Mike, I have Unitrack at home. I did buy a full setup for a briefcase layout I built out of Tomix fine track. They have a line of extremely sharp curves and small switches. The switches would be like a #2. I used to run a plymouth switcher with 40' boxcars, very successfully.
Thanks , It is at least good to hear that it does work well.
Mike
***** Do you sell Unitrack and Fine Track?
Mike these are twin coil switch machines judging from the video. Since I use NCE switch kat decoders for my Kato turnouts I would then use NCE snap it for tomix turnouts. Is this correct.
Thanks for your great videos you have really helped me. BTW how is your HO switching layout coming?
Rich
Thanks Rich , These are also polarity reversing like the Katos , they are 2 wires coils.
The HO was torn out early last year. We needed the space for another project.
Thanks , Mike
Thanks Mike, have you installed the curved turnout if so do you like it. To bad about Miller Place it would have been nice to see in operation.
I didn't intend to use the turnouts but rather just see them in person.
It is too hard to be in to many scales so I will stick with N and G outside for the grand kids.
Mike