FasTrack with 3 rail...

I'm assuming you're talking Fastrack with tubular track, Fastrack is 3-rail.

Other than some Marx stuff, I know of no specific issues with Fastrack and most locomotives.  I know that post-war stuff runs fine, and I've been told by a number of folks that have pre-war collections that it's not an issue.

Yes sorry I mean tubular track. And I meant post war as well... should have proof read .

Any knowledge of using a post war ZW with modern trains? I feel like its an issue but I cant remember what I have read about it in the past. Still googling...

The only issue is typically circuit protection.  To use an older PW transformer, you should have a modern circuit breaker for the track feed, the breakers in the old transformers are barely enough to protect the transformer.  A TVS protection diode across the track feed is also a good idea.

My prewar Lionel 252 very definitely has an "issue" with FasTrack switches.

Oh yeah! Circuit protection.... Lionel made one for this purpose didn't they? What is TVS protection diode for? Not familiar with that at all.

Must be a Marx in drag.

I wasn't 100% sure about pre-war, I don't swing that way.

Here's Super O and FasTrack, with prewar, postwar & modern:

Maybe it's a personal preference, but I've come to feel more secure using 7 1/2 amp fuses on the track where modern Loco's and the post war zw are operating together. I rarely blow fuses except while setting up new configurations and the improved reaction time of the fuses over the breakers is easily noticeable. I still use a TVS across the power feeds and wonder if the fuses help preserve their integrity. Especially since I've come to understand there's no way to measure the integrity of a TVS as it ages.

I'm no expert on electronics so all can state is my opinion after following the discussions of those who know here on the forum.

You can mix and match it all find.  There are conversion pieces (Fastrack to tubular) for most transitions you will want but frankly it is not difficult to make your own.  

Some Marx electric locos really don't like Fastrack switches, by the way.

I transition from Fastrack to tubular when going on and off the Bascule bridge.

Nor Cal,

   There is no problem using FT and Tubular, including Tubular Lionel 711 type switches.  Use the transition track and go for it.  No problem with using the ZW transformers, I do it all the time.  When running DCS equipment make sure you have a set of 10 Amp Scott type breakers between the old ZW & the TIU to safe guard the TIU & your modern DCS engines.  FT track transitions well to most all kinds of track, as Guns pointed out, Atlas Industrial Rail even has its own transition track now, for FasTrack. 

PCRR/Dave 

Some of the space saving transitions we set up on the multi level layout.

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Can't wait to get this new train up an running with my other two. Forgive me but I am still confused about what I need if I'm going to use my ZW with the new train. What is TIU and TVS? What kind of 10 amp breaker do you guys use? I swore I had seen a lionel version that looked like a shed but I can't find it. Worst case I'll just use the transformer that comes with since I dont think I am going to get the remote controlled version of the Polar Express. Thanks again for all the help!

Can anyone help me figure this out ^^^. Thanks...

Forget about the TIU, that's for command/control.  I think you're talking about a conventional layout, right?

For a PW-ZW, I'd use a circuit breaker and the 1.5KE36CA TVS to protect the track feed.  That's really all you need.  For what you're doing, I'd be thinking more along the lines of a 7A breaker, a little added protection and the layout is small with low current stuff running it would appear.

I plan do something a little elaborate, trestle some switches, twice around the tree for sure... I would say it might end up medium size. My goal is to have all the switches on a separate post war transformer, dont know if Ill get that far though depending on time. Would that change the breaker set up at all? 

Nope, just use circuit protection on the aux transformer as well.

The remote Polar set is nice for the sounds, but it won't play with your conventional trains at the same time. It uses a constant voltage on the track which would make your other trains launch.

The conventional Polar set is lacking decent sounds. Otherwise, it's a nice set.

6-12040 is the Lionel number for the FasTrack transition to O track. keep the pins shiny!

Thanks for this info, I am still wondering about what set to get. The conventional sets are a good deal right now since the new sets are out. I was going to operate each train on it's own circuit so using the remote version on the ZW shouldnt be an issue.

Thanks for your input too John.

Since you'll be running the Polar on an isolated loop, I would recommend the Remote set. It will run on 12-18 VAC . So, just set that handle on the ZW to that voltage.

It's overall operation, smoke output and the included sounds make it a fun train. It has great slow speed operation. watch the product video on the Lionel site.

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Hey guys... Well I picked up the remote Polar Express set and I'm pretty happy with it. My son is going to love it. I've ordered some TVS diodes as well. Now I am having a hard time finding lower AMP circuit breakers. Home Depot doesn't have anything lower than 15. Not having much luck with Amazon either. Where do you guys get yours? Are these specialty? And do I need 7 or 10 amp breakers? Thanks!

Is my prewar Lionel 254 going to navigate a 90 degree FasTrack crossover?

I would skip any new conventional sets.  The kids do better with the remote, sound and smoke.  You can set up two loops one to run the remote and the other to run any older conventional you still have.  My last layout had three trains on three separate loops, a super streets loop and an elevated trolley.  Lots of action for the kids is better.

I ran my layout with two PW ZWs all you need is a regular fuse right off the post of your ZW like this.  I used 10 amp fuses.  You can buy a resettable breaker, but if you need to get running now and don't have acres to the parts,  the fuse holder below and the fuses are at any auto parts store.  

The only issue you may run into is turning radius, many of Lionel's current engines are mislabeled on their website, but correct in the catalog. Lionchief will put up with lower than 18 volts, just how fast you want the top speed comes into play.