Fastrack Geometry Question

Try This:

http://www.lionel.com/media/se...0GenericCCswitch.pdf

Chief Bob (Retired)

The 060 switch is the oddball. The turnout is not the same length as a full curve. Also, their isn't 1/2 or 1/4 turns. here's two examples to get it to parallel.

Here is the 060 with an 060 curve to parallel.  So, it depends on what you want the center rail to center spacing to be.

The example with the 072 curve sets it at 6", which is what FasTrack typically has.

Here's a FasTrack Length reference. It has the possible combinations for lengths.

You may save some cash by buying less pieces filling in the spaces between the two switches with the combination that fits, instead of bringing them to parallel to keep the straight sections even.

Just a suggestion...

Thanks guys- I don't feel as crazy for not figuring it out now. A related question or two:

- So an 0-60 curve won't cancel out the switch curve and bring it parallel? (albeit not at the same straight length) if so thats a disappointment, and surprising that the 0-72 does somehow?

- on a similar note, if I placed an 0-60 switch at the beginning of a 180 degree curve, (meaning the switch curve is part of the 180 degrees) How does that shake out in terms of track? Do I need just 7 more 0-60 curves to complete 180 degrees?

Starting to think i shouldn't have gone 0-60 if they are hard to plan with...

hey jp,

yes the 060 curve will bring it to parallel. Check the post above with the example attached.

No, the 060 switch is too long to replace a curve. You can see how it is longer than a curve section in the attachment. The workaround is to cut of some of the roadbed from the curve to replace the 1 3/8" half-roadbed. It could also be a straight section is you want to make the switch the last curve.

I try to stay with 036 & 048 or 072 & 084 to avoid the weird issue. Sometimes, you just can't, so you make it work.

That's why I didn't offer the outside passing loop off of the corner, because it doesn't work naturally. You can use any of the 22.5 degree curves or an 048 1/2 curve + and 048 1/4 curve to bring it to parallel. Depends on your engines.

JP,

   Here is another way to eliminate any frustration on picking FasTrack Switches for your layout.  The Rockwell X2 Portable Table Saw can cut perfect Custom FasTrack Pieces, in any length and curvature you need to accommodate any of the different FasTrack switches you want in your layout design.  You can pick up one of these Rockwell X2 saws at Lowes for about $80.00.  This X2 saw can make custom FasTrack pieces so perfectly you can not tell them from factory made.  If you plan on designing and building FasTrack layouts for many years, this super light X2 is a great tool to have for building FT Layouts.

PCRR/Dave 

Thanks guys! Carl I missed your earlier post with the 0-60 curve and turnout, my apologies.

Looks like I can make it all work somehow. Go figure the oddball 60 is the size I need as several of my engines have an 0-54 minimum and space dictates that 0-72 isn't really an option. Murphys Law as usual!

How do you deal with the connecting pins? Do you have some examples of cut track?

cjack,

I believe Forty Rod posted his method in 2012 and the same method is in the appendix to the FasTrack modular specs. v.2.

You cut out a piece of the center with 2 cuts to leave the desired length made up of the two remaining ends. They are joined by reaming under the rail of the cut ends with a 7/64" drill bit to clean out the plastic, inserting O gauge tubular track pins, putting super glue on the joint and pressing the halves together. After the first one, you can make good looking pieces.

Good for eliminating a group of fitters or the lengths that you can't make. A mini table saw with a cut-off wheel makes nice straight and clean cuts versus a hacksaw and miter box. I do ok with the miter box by clamping the track to the box with a quick clamp.

Here's the excerpt of the method using the Win10 print to pdf

Like I said, sometimes you have to use it. Do you want the switch in the curve for an outside passing loop? I'll work it out for you. If you look at the filler piece for the switch in the product photo, you'll see how the inside roadbed is trimmed. Do this for the adjoining piece and it fits like it should, replacing a curve.

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

Hi guys- one more quick related question: would a passing siding with a pair of 0-72 switches require less filler track, or same issue?

Thanks!