could using fastrack limit your layout.

It's you,wanting to much in the amount of space you mentioned.Nick

Remember you don't have to use the 10" straights entirely.  If you need to shorten up or lengthen an area, the other sizes work well.  I use the 1 3/4 and 1 5/8 pieces to get a track to be the right length.

 

For me, the biggest limitation with using FasTrack is being able to get the distance between storage tracks smaller so I can put more storage tracks in an area.  Another less minor limitation is on the crossover track.  I would like to have the tracks closer when I put 2 switches back to back to go from one track to another.

You bet!  The only way to not limit your layout is to use flextrack.

 

Pete

I think all track systems have their limitations. I think Fastrack is a great system and very well thought out. Their switches are supposed to be some of the best available from what others have posted. I also like the looks of it and was set on using it myself, but the noise level really bothered me. I ended up going with Atlas-O solid rail. Turned out I like Atlas just as well as Fastrack, so I got real lucky there.

 

Sounds to me like your space is more of a limitation to you than the Fastrack. Probably not near large enough for a turntable either. Those take up a LOT of space, probably could consume most of your layout. I am not sure you would do any better with another track system? Others may have different ideas on that however? Many compromises must be made on a layout.

 

I started out with a 6'x16' size (plan to add at least that much more), thought that was a huge space. Until I started making track plans anyway. It became quite limiting after that. I am trying to use O63 outer loop and O54 inner loop. I want 2 loops, a yard and reversing capability (preferably both ways).  So far I haven't been gotten it all in the space I am starting with. I can't afford to do the entire space all at once, so the other half is going to have to wait a while.

 

I think everyone ends up with some sort of limitations no matter how much space they have. The more space you have the more you want to put on the layout and it just becomes too much at some point. So I think even the big layout folks have to make some compromises.

 

I haven't thought about 2nd & 3rd level planning. It would be a good way of adding more layout space, but I am not sure how I would do it. As I think you have discovered, I think it would block my main table layout. Could you put your main layout on top and have the lower layout become a staging yard or something?

 

I can't really think of a good idea for your multiple levels. There are a lot of expert layout designers around here, maybe someone will offer more help. Posting your complete track plan if possible would probably allow them to provide you with better ideas.

that's what I thought I have a lot already in fastrack so I guess I need to dial back my ambitions a little. or switch to another brand. which I think the wife would kick my butt if I did

 

Just a quick side note:

 

Fastrack is easy to cut to length.   Say you want an 7" piece, and don't want to get or use 4 of the 1.75" pieces.

 

Simply take a 10" straight.  Measure 3.5" from each end.   Make a straight cut at each 3.5" mark.  The rail cuts as easily as regular tubular, and your decent saw will go right thru the plastic roadbed.

 

You now have two 3.5" straight sections, with Fastrack connections at one end, and tubular connection at the other.  Just get 3 regular "O" track pins, and join the two 3.5" sections.  Basically you have made two 3.5" transition pieces, just like the Fastrack 5" transition pieces.  If you already own some transition pieces, you could also cut those down to size.

 

You now have a nice 7" section with regular Fastrack connections at each end.

 

I have done this a lot for all types of odd size straights.

 

I slice and dice Fastrack all the time to make things fit...odd track length, accessories, etc..

 

 

 

Fastrack vs Flex track does limit your track planning. I am using GG Flex because I want free form curves and odd radii curves not made in pre-formed track systems. But Fastrack and the like are great for kids and floor layouts....or even 4x8 table tops.

this was the original plan.

 

 

Fastrack only has limitations when you screw it down to a table. But when setup on the floor or on folding tables in a modular configuration, it has endless possibilities.
Flex track is great for a permanent layout but once you bend it and screw it down you are stuck with what you got.

It was my wife that said to get rid of the FasTrack. She didn't want to hear that noisy stuff running in the attic. That was an easy ooooooooooK!

I did only net about 45% on the resale of my new-in-box FasTrack. That was the only real downside.

 

Gilly

Despite limitations to more "hi-rail" track like Gargraves, Atlas and Ross, Lionel Fastrack has worked well for me for quite a long time. Not only do the switches work great, but the track is very robust and quite easy to wire.

 

Personally, I took advice from TM's video Building an O Gauge Layout: Beginner & Advanced which demonstrated how to do a layout with Fastrack. My layout is about the same size as the one Joseph Stachler demonstrated in the video - 8' x 16', but I am already considering bigger space.

 

With all the small pieces of Fastrack out there, which are very inexpensive, I don't have to worry about spacing when need be. The layout is still a WIP to being permanent, but being temporary on my floor ATM gives me a good idea already of an ideal permanent layout. I have 7 O-72 switches, 3 independent loops (O-48, O-60, and O-72), and 3 sidings, and that's not even taking up all the space if the table size was 8' x 16'.

 

After considering the various track systems that are available, I elected to go with Fastrack.  I don't find the noise to be as bothersome as many other people do.  A big reason for me was the Fastrack switches.  While there have been some reported problems with some Fastrack switches having been improperly wired at the factory, overall the switches are extremely reliable.  I don't hear comments about engines stalling on Fastrack switches.  I've never had any issues with any of my engines going through the Fastrack switches.

 

The Fastrack offerings continue to expand.  I was very happy when the O-84 curves came out (I have a couple of cases of them), and they have announced O-96 curves.  I hope that they eventually offer O-84 and/or O-96 switches.  That will then allow nice tight placement of parallel tracks. For now, O-72 switches are the best you can do for parallel tracks.  Of course, if you want to run a Big Boy, you're going to want lots of space between tracks.

 

As EscapeRocks said, Fastrack is pretty easy to cut into special sections, you don't need to use lots of 1 3/4 inch and 1 3/8 inch sections to get a proper fit.

 

My current layout is in its early stages.  When all the track is down, there will be about 400 feet of Fastrack.

I don't think so.  I really didn't have any problems planning a layout with FasTrack.  But for me it was the noise.  I already had one small FasTrack layout and the noise always bothered me, but I didn't know better until I came here.  Then I heard how other brands could be quieter, so I looked at them.  I really like the look of Atlas, and I had used Atlas N track in the past, so I ordered a loop of used track to see what I thought.  I rally liked it, so I redid my whole layout plan with Atlas.  Like stated above, I was able to get tighter yard spacing with it, and the yard now has 2 extra tracks which means I will need to buy more freight cars to fill it up.

But FasTrack is a great product, and I still have all of mine and will keep it.  It's great for the carpet and easy for my kids to use.  So I don't think it's the track system limiting you, but rather what you want.  I think you'll find another system will also fail in getting you what you envision.  But get software like SCARM to try out.  It's free and give you an idea of what other systems will get you.  BTW, I like your plan.  It's nice.

I have fasTrack for all of my layout, and have absolutely no issues with any limitations, and zero problems with noise.

 

 

I think it is a great track system, and is probably the best of the sectional track systems currently available. 

 

I agree that using flexible track is better if you have enough space for wide sweeping curves and complex yard arrangements. But for those of us with a more limited space allocation, FasTrack is ideal and has a very comprehensive assortment of switches, curves and straight sections. The geometry helps to prevent many of the problems that can arise with the use of flexible track in small spaces too.

 

The FasTrack switches are fantastic, and the command-control ones are pure plug-and-play joy.

 

Just my personal opinion. 

what the main reason for the yard is so that i'm not moving from shelf to layout as much I have already dropped one tender breaking it I fixed what I could but to replace it is expensive (chessie steam special tender) so what I thought would solve that issue is make a yard/station to house the passenger trains I seem to be getting lately. when I started all of this I thought modern was where I was going to go but the old steamers seem to be what I am buying lately along with passenger trains..here's what I have been working on for 2 days now.

 

I don't believe any track limits your layout. I have found that it's available area for O gauge that presents the challenge.

 

The different sizes of curves made by some manufacturers will provide only marginally larger radius curves when you are using limited space. Decent yards and roundhouses need at least 8-10 feet in length.

 

Getting all of your DRUTHERS within your GIVENS will take some time.

I use Fastrack. Why? It was included in a RTR set my wife bought me. Happy?  Yes, right now I prefer loops to a switching set up, I like to see 4 trains running at one time. Noisy? Yes. Problem , my set up is in that garage, noise is not a problem. My problem is , I want more trains and track than there are funds. Right now I have 2 loops of 072 and 2 dog bones of 036. Really would like to have 060 and 048 but there is no available space or money

 

Don't you just love trains?   I do!!!!

Brent

Your first and second plans both look good to me. Just a couple of thoughts, on the first one is there any way of creating more space between the levels? It also might be nice to be able to have some openings in the upper level for access to the lover level, if that would be possible to do and still have it look good.

 

I think I actually prefer the second layout. It looks like you are meeting your goals of storage with that one while still having an upper level. You even have full access to all your yard tracks, which I think is really good. Been stopping to look at it while typing here and the more I look the more I like it. Looks quite worthy of trying out to me.

 

I want to do the same thing with a yard so I can leave all my trains on the layout also. I have only modern diesels and that won't be changing, it's what I really like, and the steamers are way above my pay grade. I think the biggest one I have is O54, so I don't need large curves.

 

Can't tell what size curves you have in layout two, but doesn't look like they are O72? If you start going with the steamers, you might end up needing O72 minimum curves and that would eat up some space in a hurry, but I'm sure you are probably aware of that already.

 

 

Don't feel alone on the money and space shortages, I think there are many of us out here in the very same boat! I know I am sure in the same category. These train purchases really add up I a hurry.

I run Fastrack (072, 084) and I have had nothing but Joy..

K.C.

I have a lot invested in Fastrack. I plan on getting bigger. The large operating layout at my LHS is Fastrack. I didn't anticipate nor expect any problems. I cannot afford to lose the money by selling and repurchasing track.

 

Fastrack will not limit your freedonm to build what you want, uless you want curves of more than 84 inches diameter.  It might take a bit longer - you'll have to cut pieces alot to custom tailor routes if standard pieces don't get you what you want -- and you will miss not have flextrack then.  But you can get there.

 

For five years I had Fastrack on my layout, then ruined it all by cleaning it with Simple Green (which is truly marvelous at cleaning it - stunning in fact.  And over time, it removes the stainless steel itself, too!).  

 

Fastrack was noisy, that was my one complaint, and nothing i could do could ever make it as quiet as Atlas or any solid rail track will be.  When my Fastrrack was ruined I replaced it with Atlas.  I have no regrets there . . . 

 

So, the net-net is: with Fastrack you give up a bit of time in fitting track to your plan rather than your plan to the track, because you don't have flextrack, and you have a bit more noise undet the best of circumstances.  What you get is not having to ballast the track after you install it.  That is worth thinking about.  Ballasting takes time and is a bit messy - but its not as bad as some say.  It is, however, something to think about.  

 

Oh, and the switches.  Fastrack remote switches are the most durable, dependable made (they may be the single best product Lionel makes).  I have all Atlas track now, but all Fastrack switches (took a bit of doing but I got them to mate perfectly.)

I like your 2nd layout.  Only thing I would say is see if you can add a way to run 2 trains at once on it.  Maybe with some switch placement you can turn that loop with the crossing into a figure 8.  Then you can have 2 trains running below as well as 2 on top, and have a train at the station ready to leave when a train is ready to come in, then you could have 5 trains in motion for a bit.

 

But that is me, I buy trains to run them.  The more running at once, the merrier.

It's not only your opinion Nicole, it's mine and many others who use Lionel Fastrack on their layout.  I have had my layout in operation for over 5 years with 060 curves and switches.  I am now modifying my layout to have 072 Fastrack curves on the main line and on turnouts. 

 

I have had no issues with "so called track noise", my engines, locomotives make enough noise even on low volume to overcome whatever the track produces.  Bottom line, Fastrack is a fantastic track system, their switches are some of the best on the market especially with TMCC and I can make changes to my layout very easily.  In my honest and experienced opinion.

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

I don't have an issue with fastrack as a track system. I like it. but it just seems that making yards and tight complex layout's is restricted when using fastrack. still working on the track plan. I tested the waters of atlas in scarm and made the yard out of atlas track. still tinkering.

 

I understand J. Everyone is different and with your design another track might be a better choice.  You have to go with what you are happy with, you are the one operating the layout for years to come.  Good luck with your project.

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

There is absolutely no reason as to why you could not use both systems. Have the bulk of the trackage using FasTrack, and use Atlas for your yard area. All you need to do is to use some adaptor tracks where you change systems.