12' X 20' Fastrack and Atlas-O Layout Plan

This version adds a run-around track on the On30 line using a Backmann single cross-over (#5).   I would have to check the track clearance here to ensure that two On30 cars can pass each other:  the clearance is probably designed for HO trains and may not be sufficient for On30.   Of course, other track manufacture could be used for the On30 to get the tie spacing correct/scale.

Another very nice design, Ken. I tried, but was unable to PM you, so sent you an e-mail to the address in your profile. I had an off-line question for you.

Rick

Got your email Rick, thanks, and reply sent.   -Ken

With more terrain ideas:

Here with an engine yard and turntable, all Atlas-O.   Using another #5 double-slip switch.   Access is through West Junction to the staging yard ladder tracks.   A Fastrack O-72 turnout connects to O-81 into the double-slip switch.

With some structures and trees:

More trees and another stream:

Kn,

Why did you mix Atlas track with Fastrack switches?

Jan

Jan, I wanted to use the space-saving double-slip switch (North Park Junction), which is also a smoother curve that the O-72 'Y's.   The 'Y's would have generated a shallow (but acceptable) reverse curve.   So between saving a bit of space and smoothing the curves, the Atlas-O seemed to make sense.

The other place where I used Atlas-O is in the Engine Yard, where I had to use the Atlas turntable (Lionel does not have one for Fastrack), so it just seemed convenient and easier to make the whole Engine Yard Atlas.   I used another double-slip here - they are very cool!

You might ask why not use Atlas-O for the entire layout?   Just because I like to imagine that I would actually build this layout for myself, and I can't commit to ballasting all of that track! (whew!)   And the Fastrack turnouts are just about bullet-proof, and can be command controlled.

I have mixed Atlas and Fastrack on a previous layout with good results and not much extra work.   Some of my other designs have also used both.   Both Fastrack and Atlas-O have the correct tie spacing, which is important to me - personal preference.

-Ken

Here is a list of track sections needed, not including the On30 line.   Lots of small "fitter" Fastrack sections.   The turnouts come with 1-3/8 sections with roadbed removed on one or both sides, so not as many 1-3/8 will need to be purchased.

Track

• 6012, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Curve radius 40 1/2" (O-81), angle 7.5º          2
• 6027, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Double slipswitch 23 1/4".#5                  2
• 6050, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Straight 10".                    4
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 19 13/16". (rmin=148 29/32")          1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 29 29/32". (rmin=40 1/2")               1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 37 1/2". (rmin=74 1/4")                   1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 40 13/16". (rmin=55 3/4")               1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 41 27/32". (rmin=222 3/32")           1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 42 5/16". (rmin=43 15/16")             1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 44 29/32". (rmin=37 25/32")           1
• 6056, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Flex 45 3/32". (rmin=108 11/16")           1
• 6062, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Curve radius 36" (O-72), angle 22.5º          1
• 6910, 0 Atlas 3-Rail Nickel Silver Track, Turntable diameter 24".                    1

• 6-12014, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 10".                    26
• 6-12024, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 5".                    10
• 6-12025, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 4 1/2".                    12
• 6-12026, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 1 3/4".                    28
• 6-12073, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 1 3/8".                    45
• 6-12042, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Straight 30".                    13

• 6-12041, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 36", angle 22.5º (O72)                    15
• 6-12048, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Left turnout 14 1/4". (O72) (remote)                    3
• 6-12050, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Crossing 14 1/4". 22.5º                    2
• 6-12061, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 42", angle 11.25º (O84)                    37
• 6-16826, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Left turnout 14 1/4". (O72) Command Control          6
• 6-16827, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Right turnout 14 1/4". (O72) Command Control          9
• 6-81250, 0 Lionel FasTrack, Curve 48", angle 11.25º (O96)                    35

Ken, just food for thought. Our 24 TT will fit the area of the Atlas table you have positioned on the layout, plus we use atlas track on the bridge and you can bring the FasTrack up to pit for your whisker tracks. Eric of Eric's Trains changed his Atlas table out for ours. Check it out

Layout plan looks nice.

Thanks CSX AL, this is a great turntable!

You mention that Fastrack can be brought up to the turntable as whisker tracks?   How is that accomplished - would have thought that Atlas-O would be needed for the whisker tracks?

I checked out your nice web page, but did not see a solution for Fastrack.   I don't mind using Atlas, just following-up.

This version with the Millhouse River turntable, and buildings relocated.

Thanks Ken,

You can use either. I had customers put FasTrack up to the pit wall by cutting the end of the track with a Dremel. To match the curve of the pit wall. Here is a photo of a customers layout that did that.

Here is forum member Alex M. layout with RealTrax, similar to FasTrack with the plastic roadbed 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here or drop me an email or call at the shop.

PS, here you can see other photos of customers layouts with turntables to give you an idea of how they did their turntable areas.  Customer Turntable photos

Ken,

   As usual Top shelf Engineering Design Work.  In the old days Lionel could have used you for doing their traveling layouts, simply fantastic stuff!

PCRR/Dave

Thanks Al and Dave.   I updated the turntable image to look more like the Millhouse River turntable:

Ken, Thanks.