Fastrack Layout

Looks like a fairly large layout.

Electrical conductivity might be the cause of your problem. How many power connections are on your layout? Do you have two or more locomotives so you can rule out a “locomotive” problem?

There are plenty of members on the forum who will help you rectify your layout problem

Sal,

   Make sure your connections on your wire drops are secure, the tracks are tightly pushed together, and screw the tracks down properly to assure proper constant fit up wile running.  You will eliminate your problems, if you make sure all your FasTrack is not damaged or works loose during running.

PCRR/Dave

Salvagni,

I'm having the exact same problem with my Xmas tree layout.  I used this layout template (see link below).  My initial terminal track was on the inside loop and the outer loop on the backside of the tree is where my trains kept stopping.  To fix this, I added another power terminal section to the outer loop.  This seems to have fixed the problem.  Try it out and let me know if this helps.

http://www.lionel.com/articles...el-fastrack-layouts/

Also, this is my first time using Fastrack and I have to say, at first glance, it looks like it has very rugged, solid connections but the reality is that it's quite finicky. 

Just going to be honest here.If you are just going to make a loop around the tree in some fashion, you are better off with standard Lionel O gauge track.Just my 2 cents.Nick

I ran a layout very close to this size and configuration last year with only one track connection. I think the key to successful operation was using the small spring clips at the bottom of the track at each connection, per GRJ's suggestion of a couple of years ago.  I used the clips again this year (different layout configuration and slightly smaller) and it runs like a champ.

What clips do you speak of? 

RickO posted:

If your train just stops, you have a connectivity problem.  Adding additional power drops is not a bad idea, but it won't necessarily fix the connectivity issue.  You could put a second drop in and get "unlucky" and still have the train stall.  It all depends where the connectivity issue is in relation to where the power drops are.

Follow the procedure that Rick posted.  Start with the sections of track on both sides of where the train stalls and work out from there until the issue is resolved.  One power drop should work fine for this situation.

IMHO, Fastrack is very good for reliability, but nothing is perfect.

Tony 

What about putting in jumpers?  

Here is a post about the clips, with a link to what I am talking about.

https://ogrforum.com/...ly=50845428056492137

I would make sure the outside rails are jumpers together. This may resolve many of your problems inexpensively

Thank you everyone for your replies, I was able to get it to work consistently.  In order for that to happen i went along every joint and squeezed them with a pair of pliers and that seemed to work.