Fastrack switch

Yes, there is a difference. Length!!! Length of the curve segment varies with the rated diameter.

Both 72 inch curves and 60 in curves have 16 pieces (and thus 22.5 degrees per segment), but the size (length) is different.

Edit, I realize you are saying- but that's a curve, I'm asking about a switch. Well, the switch has to mate to a curve, so Lionel designed Fastrack switches specific to the matching curve- and thus the curve might be 22.5 degrees, but for a total given curve diameter, the segment size (length) also is different. In addition, they also change the straight section length of the switch.

I just used the RR track program to show the difference between an 060 Fastrack switch (top) and a 072 Fastrack switch (bottom).

Both the straight section and curve section are different lengths.

Thanks,  I've always used 060 switches, will the larger engines that require 072 pass through the 060 switches?

@Tarheel115 posted:

Thanks,  I've always used 060 switches, will the larger engines that require 072 pass through the 060 switches?

No, not always, which is why they specify 072 as the minimum.

I wish it was more exact, but again, some engines when they say 072 minimum, they mean it.

FWIW, I have this problem on my own current layout. I have Atlas 072 on the outside. My inside loop was recently also changed to Atlas 63 (previously was Fastrack 060). My intent was to make a large scale engine yard (meaning 072 required size engines) with direct access to a mainline. I have to cross over the now 063 track.  The logic here is I lost too much linear distance of straight if I had to cross over to the 063 and then again out of the 063. This semi crazy looking switch arrangement allows me to run an engine capable of 063 loop and jump to the outer track and back, or go from the 063 into the yard siding, it allows direct access (while directly crossing over the 063) from the outside mainline.

All the switches in view are Fastrack 072. The crossover is a 22.5 degree Fastrack piece.  Again, the diagonal siding line leads into the now Millhouse River Studios Turntable just behind the Backshop building. Sorry, I know not the best view, but the best I could find at the moment. Again, the reasoning was, if I went from the siding into the 063 loop, then if it really is an 072 minimum engine, I cannot make the curve or loop and thus I'm stuck. This compromise, I can still store and park big 072 engines on my future turntable tracks and the backshop, I'll have a 34 inch turntable which can turn anything I own or expect to own. I have 072 switches and a straight path out to the 072 mainline. Yes, there are some moves that will foul one or both main lines. What can I say, compromises given a 10x14 space, a requirement for 072, and desire to have 2 loops.

Thanks great info, just buy 072 to be safe on all engines.

How to do like atlas over fastrack?

Much, much quieter, but I sill like the smoothness and ease of use of fastrack swiches for intgration into LCS. As such, I used Menards Tubular to Fastrack adaper tracks, then cut them shorter with a Dremel, then cut slots the atlas rail joiners could slide into. I then soldered the Atlas Joiners into that slot in-situ, resuling in perfect smooth transitions from Fastrack to Atlas. Also, the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed is what makes Atlas the exact railhead height as Fastrack or tubular.

Truth be told, I initially tried to use an Atlas 22.5 degree crossover so more of the inside loop was Atlas but I had a few engines shorting and stopping. I have no such issues with the Fastrack 22.5 crossing. I think the flanges of the wheels were shorting to the cast center crossing piece but again, figured go with what works and sort out the problem later.

I'm still on the fence, I would like to go all Atlas. My catch 22 is that crossover and also, DZ2500 switch motors and TMCC with LCS that I still need to be comfortable with. They work, but it's just not the same as Fastrack switches. So do I go for looks (Atlas) , or reliability and running smoothness (Fastrack in a few key places)?

For me the fastrack switch integration into lcs and ease of setup is a big selling point but the atlas, gargraves looks better. I'm building a pretty big layout and have to much invested to switch now.