Fastrack Geometry Question

The FasTrack system geometry necessitates having many small fitter sections.

Here is a chart showing which pieces you need to cover a given distance:

FasTrack Chart

The problem with the Fastrack geometry is that the "O36" straights should be 12.73" long, not 10", the 90 degree crossings should be 10.54" across, and the 45 degree crossings should be 14.91" across. If this were the case, you wouldn't need so many small "fitter" sections for standard track layout configurations. 

So, with the handy FasTrack chart, measure the gaps for a combination. 7/8" is not a track, so add 1 3/8" for 2". Not on the chart. Add 1 3/4" for 2 5/8". Add a 4 1/2" for 5 and 3/8". Add a 5" for 5 7/8". Bingo.

So, take out a 10" and use a 5", then use a combination for the 5 7/8" and the mainline is closed. You can also measure the gap at the preceding joint of the adjacent whole track plus the gap, which would have been 10 7/8". There's two combinations for that space.

Just remember to add a larger track to the gap, which means breaking a 10". This is what Rob was referring to about fitters.

I use AnyRail to figure out what fits in advance.

Cutting a bigger Fastrack section is really not too hard... Just cut in the center of a section, and rejoin.  Don't try cutting and re-doing an end!

You guys impress me - nobody even got the benefit of seeing my professionally created graphic (below) because I forgot to include it in my OP, but still you answered my question. Thank ya'll waaay much!

...try this - you'll need one each of a 1-3/8", 4.5" and 5" to cover the gap.

Another was way to do this to eliminate the small filler pieces would be to reverse the curvature of the 1/4 curves from the turnout, but then you'd need (2) O36 1/2 curves - see attached. Hope this helps.

So I see there are many ways to skin a cat ... or to lay out your Fastrack. Good stuff, thank you!

Mike Regan has a video on how to stretch Fastrak

6-OU812 FasTrack Expander Paste

rockstars1989 posted:

Mike Regan has a video on how to stretch Fastrak

6-OU812 FasTrack Expander Paste

That's just not right, rockstars.  The guy said he is a FasTrack newbie. 

Don't pay attention to this, GEOPEG; it's an old April Fool's joke.

What, me worry? 

Dang! Now you tell me, after I got all that green goop all over my tracks AND the carpet!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I use AnyRail to figure out what fits in advance.

I like your preemptive thinking, John. I downloaded this program, but like so many others, it's not INSTANTANEOUSLY intuitive, like Minecraft

So now I shall endeavor to master the software, and flatten the learning curve!

Actually, I looked at a few track planning packages, and AnyRail was the easiest one to climb the learning curve.

I just watched that entire Fastrack expansion paste video. I was so confused until he said it was April 1st. Wow, that was an awesome prank by the guys at Lionel!

Thats what I love about this hobby you can have a blast!Well most of us anyway!Nick

Yeah I found out that it takes a few small pcs to make up the length of the straight side of an 072 switch. I found it easier to put the switch in the curve as the curve section is the same as a regular 072 curve.