FasTrack layout - filled with gaps

Are you using the fitter sections? 

This version has one gap of .1 inch - might be within fudge factors... 

Hope this helps...

I tried your design using RR Track and made the following changes.  I don't know how to copy the file, so I'll describe the changes.  Starting at the bottom left switch. 

O72-LS, 4-O72, 1-10", 4-O72, 4-30", 1-10", 4-O72, 1-10", 4-072, 1-O72-RS,

1-XX Fitter, 1-5", 1-4.5", 3-30", 1-XX Fitter. This connects back to the Left switch.

On the next loop put fitter sections on the switch ends.  Connect the O72 LS to the fitter section on the left switch.  Connect 8-O72 curves. 3-30", 3-1.375", 1-10", 8-O72 curves, 1-XX Fitter, 1-O72 RS, 1-O36LS, 2-10". 1-1.75", 1-1.375", 1-30" 1-O36RS connected to the O72 LS.

For the inside layer starting at the left side O36RS, 1-O36 half, 1-O36 quarter, 1-5", 2-O36 full, 1-5", 2-10", 2-O36 full, 3-30", 2-1.375", 1-10", 2-O36 full, 1-5", 2-10", 2-O36 full, 1-5", 1-O36 quarter, 1-O35 half connected back to the O36LS  The gaps I came up with are .41, .11 and .11  Should be close enough to fit.

Hi Jim,

Yes, you missed the extension pieces that are needed with the 060, 072 switches & 072 Wye, 22.5º crossover. They 1 3/8" nRDB (no roadbed on one side). They go at the curve and the thru on the curve end.

Some SCARM tips:

1. Select>Tools>Settings and uncheck in 2D view the show rails box. Makes my eyes blur. I only use them for specific center rail to center rail measurements.
2. I use the baseboard tool to create the maximum or desired table size that I have available. Select>Tools>Toolbox >select the arrow for the drop-down menu. It's in inches in SCARM. You can build a track plan and the table can be created for it. I just like having the maximum physical space available on the screen.
3. Use the measure tool when you have a gap. Scroll to zoom-in on the area, move with arrow keys to get a good view on the screen. Then Click on the tape measure icon on the menu. Place the cursor an the end of one track, left-click and hold, drag the cursor to the other track end. Now, look in the lower left corner for the length that you just measured, while still holding the left mouse button.

Then, you can use this FasTrack Lengths chart, that I have attached, for the possible combination of standard pieces to get the needed length. +- 1/8" will sometimes work or add the next track. there is no 4", but if the gap is next to a 5", then 2 4 1/2"=9" will or next to a 10" a 5" + 2 41/2" = 14". Whatever you can do to make it fit.

If you see a diamond from the end track triangles it will force fit. Too short is not good. A 1/16" too long is ok. An 1/8", use a different combo.

I made the area 216"L x 90"W, created a baseboard that size, and fit the plan as you had it. (SCARM file attached).

I have also attached the FasTrack Modular specs. In the appendix, is a tutorial for cutting FasTrack to make custom pieces. That way, when you build, you can eliminate at lot little pieces or create a size that a combination doesn't exist.

SCARM is a great tool for planning a track design within a given space, but like any good plan presented on paper (or computer) it will fail once applied to the real world.

Be prepared for this by having plenty of 4 1/2, 1 3/4, and 1 3/8 sections available for making adjustments.

When I used SCARM to plan my fastrack layout, I had gaps all over the place. I knew they could only be resolved once actual track was laid on the table and I planned to make several custom cut sections. Once I had the track laid out and made small adjustments here and there I found that I needed fewer cut sections than I planned for. I was pleasantly surprised.

When using any king of sectional track, there are some configurations that just wont work without custom cut sections. Its just a way of life.

No great plan survives first contact

Thanks so much for all the help - I finally have what I need to get to the painful phase (ordering the track I need) and then the fun phase - the build-out.

One other thing to consider is clearence issues.  You track design is a little close at the top and you may have issues with longer equipment sideswiping another piece.