Fastrack Minum Distance

Track measurements are typically in terms of distance between the center rails of adjacent tracks. This is for clearance of passing trains. 4" is ok for straights. That leaves about 3/4" between the roadbed edges of FasTrack.

The curves require a larger spacing as engines and cars will hang over and possibly collide when passing one another. FasTrack is naturally spaced at 6" center rails except for O31 curves. 5" - 5.5" would be safe by offsetting the entry straight.

Any closer and you have to test with what you will run.

Edge of table - That's up to you. The space is really a buffer to prevent trains falling to the floor in case of derailment. If you need to get to the, it's what you have to do.

Also, Fastrack sizes fit inside one another and automatically space to 6" if switches are used.  BUT.... an O-31 Fastrack loop will not fit inside an O-36 Fastrack loop.

An MTH O-31 Realtrax loop WILL fit inside a Fastrack O-31 loop.

John,

   These guys are giving good advise, and Eddie is absolutely correct use the 031 RealTrax as your inner most loop and you should have no problems, mine works real well inside the FasTrack layout.  As far as the edge of the platform goes, most of my layouts ride the very edge to use the space I have available.

PCRR/Dave

Note the inner most loop in the construction picture below is 031 RealTrax, outers are 036 and 048 FasTrack, with 072 FTCC switches, excepting the siding switch, which is 060. I do not run FTCC switches smaller than 060 due to my Tin Plate Trains.

You can't get the FasTrack any closer than I usually do, it hugs the edge and also runs on the trestle that I build.

On the over head Ceiling layout is the only place in the train room I do not hug the edge with my FasTrack, it's back away from the edge of the shelf at least 1 1/2", 10' is a long way to the hard wood floor, and my Tin Plate Trains, I like to safe guard.

Dave I love the bar layout, just one question! Where you going to put the drinks!~

Big Mike G,

  Now I like how you think sir, if you look at the Bar Construction picture you will see Boxes stacked up against the wall with my grinding hood sitting on top of them, at the far end of the Bar.  There will be an Antique Liquor Cabinet along that wall for the good stuff!

PCRR/Dave

The wall on  the far right side of the Bar is about 8' long and there is about 4 1/2' of space between the wall and the Bar, the Antique Liquor Cabinet should fit right in that spot.

If you widen and lengthen a standard 60" by 40" 036 fast track by at least one section, would another standard 60" by 40" fastrack fit inside it?

yes, it sure will    a  6' x 4 1/4' - 4 1/2' table

Thank you very much for the info.  That will be helpful as I get additional tracks/trains.  Some of the track shows 10" Trm.  What does the Trm mean?  I am very much a newbie at this, so my knowledge of the lingo is very limited.

Ackleplem posted:

Thank you very much for the info.  That will be helpful as I get additional tracks/trains.  Some of the track shows 10" Trm.  What does the Trm mean?  I am very much a newbie at this, so my knowledge of the lingo is very limited.

The terminal track for connecting the transformer. It is included with sets.

Thank you very much for the information, Moonman.