Can the Reissue 497 Coal Loader run on Fastrack?

Lionel makes Fastrack transition pieces that allow Fastrack to connect to regular O gauge tubular track. Just get a pair of those and connect them with regular track pins to the coal loader on both sides, and you should be good to go.

Mike is correct. I have my coal loader connected that way and it works great.

Thanks guys!  I have some of those pieces but space is limited and adding that transition adds @ 10" of extra track so I was hoping I could do it with just a regular operating Fastrack section.

Don't forget the #497 is a notorious rooftop detail destroying O-27 accessory that has yet to be upgraded to support today's higher RS and taller scale engines. 

Fastrack will only decrease clearance.

Joe

So build a platform. No big deal. Use styrofoam, wood products, roadbed, most anything will do. Take you an hour, max. 

Mine is at the end of a siding where nothing but an operating hopper or dump car is ever going to go under it anyway. If you have to put it on a main line, see above. 

Good to know about the rooftop detail.  I would have to check clearances properly before running anything if I installed this one.  Maybe a siding or else a platform is the best way to go with it.  Still haven't decided if I will keep it or sell it based on the clearance issues and the space problems.

I originally looked at it and it seemed like I could just run the Fastrack under it and, with a small overall footprint, it would be a fun accessory for my small 4x8 table.