Kato Unitrack XPS Foam Anchors

Having been unsatisfied with common methods of attaching N-Scale Kato Unitrack to XPS foam panels, I designed these anchors to provide mechanical alignment and grip, with the ability to remove and reset track as needed.

The anchors use a #4 wood screw to grip foam roadbed, with a pressure-fit collar to grip 3.2mm posts moulded into most common pieces of Unitrak. In order to make the process of placing anchors easier, I designed a "dimpler" to mark anchor locations. Note that dimplers can be re-used, so you’ll normally need fewer of them than anchors.

Using Anchors & Dimplers:

1. To assemble an anchor, insert a #4 wood screw into to the side cavity, pressing/wiggling until it slips into the collar and the Philips slots align. The screw should twist when the anchor is turned.
2. To place track, attach dimplers to the posts, lay the track on the foam in the desired locations, then press until you hear pops or snaps. This will indicate the anchor locations have been marked by small depressions in the surface of the foam.
3. Insert the anchor screw into the foam at each marked location, twisting by hand until the bottom of the anchor is just above the foam surface. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, drive the anchor further down into the foam, until the bottom of the screw slot is flush with the surface. Attempt to keep the anchor at a 90 degree angle to the foam if possible.
4. Once the anchors have been screwed in, remove the dimplers, place the track such that the posts are in alignment with the anchors, and press down. The track should slip into place and be held securely. A small amount of upward force will be required to remove the track, but will not damage the anchor, allowing for track to be placed and removed at will.
5. To permanently secure the track, a small amount of caulk or silicon based adhesive can be used between the foam and the track, or between the post and anchor.

Please Note:

“Kato” and “Unitrack” are trademarks of K.K. Sekisui Kinzoku, Japan and are used for reference only. The design presented here is neither supported nor authorized by the aforementioned trademark holder.