Fastrack 4 x 8 modified into L

So we ditched the idea of adding another 4 x 8 section and are looking at making an L. First time working with RR-Track. Why don't the switches auto-connect? Still have some gaps in the layout, but looking for suggestions.

Patrick,

There are many reasons why the track joints are misaligned and do not connect.  Here are a few:

1.  Unequal lengths of parallel straight sections,
2.  Mixing curves of different diameters,
3.  Running straights on the diagonal. and
4. Short straight gaps that cannot be filled by pre-cut sections.

I don't have the Fastrack library for RRT but I also have SCARM which includes all track libraries.  SCARM is free if you can work within the limit of total track sections.  I've reworked your plan in SCARM.

You can update your RRT plan from the diagram.

I've included a pdf which lisrs all the possible combinations of FasTrack pieces to fill gaps.  Note that all gaps are not fillable anf you might have to increase the gaps size to fill it.  The measuring tool is much needed for this.

Jan

I like Jan's design.

Also, this thread may suit your needs.

https://ogrforum.com/...k-layout-on-two-4x8s

@Jan posted:

Patrick,

There are many reasons why the track joints are misaligned and do not connect.  Here are a few:

1.  Unequal lengths of parallel straight sections,
2.  Mixing curves of different diameters,
3.  Running straights on the diagonal. and
4. Short straight gaps that cannot be filled by pre-cut sections.

I don't have the Fastrack library for RRT but I also have SCARM which includes all track libraries.  SCARM is free if you can work within the limit of total track sections.  I've reworked your plan in SCARM.

You can update your RRT plan from the diagram.

I've included a pdf which lisrs all the possible combinations of FasTrack pieces to fill gaps.  Note that all gaps are not fillable anf you might have to increase the gaps size to fill it.  The measuring tool is much needed for this.

Jan

Thank you Jan. I appreciate the FasTrack Formulas. I had found one online, but it wasn't nearly as detailed as the one your sent. I'm still not sure why RR-Track won't attach track to the turnout leg of the turnout. I'm still learning.

I'm finishing up the benchwork tonight and should have it installed yesterday. Now to find a good deal on some more FasTrack.

@Richie C. posted:

I like Jan's design.

Also, this thread may suit your needs.

https://ogrforum.com/...k-layout-on-two-4x8s

Thank you Richie. We plan to add more sidings and yards after we get things up and running.

Here's a couple of pictures of the extension that will be added to the 4 x 8.

Patrick,

Tracks will not connect if the centerlines are misaligned or there is a gap greater than the the set tolerance or both.

Jan

Got the addition bolted up! Time to start stripping down the track.

Looks like you are using some 060 turnouts as well as 036/031.  With Fastrack, the 060 and 072 turnouts include 1/3/8" "makeup" straight.  RRT requires the use of those to auto connect to the next track.  The makeup straight (road bed missing from one side) compensates for the design of the 060/072 switch.  This will create the need for adjustments in your design.  Use the PDF for Fastrack length combinations.  I have found that what does not line up in RRT sometimes has enough "give" with that the actual track will connect and not effect operation of your trains.

Larry

@L.J. posted:

Looks like you are using some 060 turnouts as well as 036/031.  With Fastrack, the 060 and 072 turnouts include 1/3/8" "makeup" straight.  RRT requires the use of those to auto connect to the next track.  The makeup straight (road bed missing from one side) compensates for the design of the 060/072 switch.  This will create the need for adjustments in your design.  Use the PDF for Fastrack length combinations.  I have found that what does not line up in RRT sometimes has enough "give" with that the actual track will connect and not effect operation of your trains.

Larry

Thank you Larry. I’ll try updating the RRT file later today. Hopefully with everything I ordered I can still make ends meet! I got all the track and structures up yesterday. They sure come up faster than they go down. Filled all the holes with spray foam and trimmed the excess. Got one roll of Realgrass down last night before calling it quits. Patrick

Got all the track down and operating. I’ve got a couple turnouts where one engine pushes through the points, but still workable. Still got some roads to put down and parking lots to stripe. A little disappointed that the water kit I received only does a 6” pond 3mm deep. Will work on more landscaping over time. Looking at some backdrops for the wall as well.

Patrick,

It's good to see that you have the layout up and operational.  I bet your grandson loves it.

Jan

@Jan posted:

Patrick,

It's good to see that you have the layout up and operational.  I bet your grandson loves it.

Jan

Jan,

He does and we’re having a great time together!

Patrick