Hello and a question

It doesn't start curving until the engine hits the switch points. I don't have FasTrack, so I have no idea how far into the turnout that is. Since you're new, there is a free program called "SCARM" that will let you design a layout without having to create tracks, etc., in your CAD program. It might be worth your time to check into it.

There is no easement or short straight section in the FasTrack geometry.

Have you checked out the free SCARM drawing software from Milen Peev HERE?  The FasTrack(and several other track system) dimensions are all in the program already for you, as well as a plethora of other features. The author is an accessible contributor here on the forum.

Wow!  Thank you for the quick replies.  I will definitely check out the SCARM program.  

Right now there is a question about the accuracy of the straight section length of the O31 turnouts in SCARM and other design software (RR-Track). It seems the Lionel online specs and packaging specs don't agree with the actual turnout measurements. As soon as Milen gets confirmation of the actual specs, he'll fix it if a fix is needed. You can read about it here in the SCARM thread, it's at the end.

Sounds good.  Right now I'm planning big with an 0-84 outer loop and an O-72 inner, so I'm mainly interested in the O-72 switches.  I've got my eye on BIG steam locomotives.  I've been fascinated with the PRR S1 and S2 since I was a kid.

Jason, since you are into "big steam" and a really big layout, my website may be of interest.  Ten foot diameter curves are fun.

See my Run Room.

The following track plans show all running tracks.  (On Photo Tour Start page.)

          YARD          MAIN          CEILING AND STUB TRACKS

Before going full bore on FasTrack, do some serious research on sound deadening methods for FasTrack and plywood surfaces.

I am totally sold on FasTrack switches with Command Control, but needed to use a sound deadener on my plywood. (I went with close cut carpet)

I took your advice and downloaded the SCARM software, but I haven't had a chance to play with it yet.  It is definitely on the agenda.

Meanwhile, I was able to sort of reverse engineer the approximate dimensions by using Lionel's online info (15.625" straight w/22.5 degree turnout) and this: http://cdn1.legacystation.com/...gCenterIsolation.jpg 

It seems to be pretty close.  I'm assuming there is enough play in the Fastrack that it doesn't have to be accurate to the thousandth of an inch...

Based on that, I came up with a layout.  The plan is to spread it across five 4'x8' sheets that can be taken apart and stowed when not in use.  Everything will be screwed down except the pieces that span the seams.  I'll carefully place and remove those pieces upon assembly/disassembly.  

What does everyone think?  Viable?  

Just to get you started with SCARM, I entered the layout for you to play with. I think I got all the track right, but these tired eyes might have made a mistake or 2, particularly on the 1 3/8 and 1 3/4 track. If it's right though, there appears to be some places that might not connect properly. Anyway, thought I'd save you some time getting going if you pursue SCARM.

To download, right-click on the .scarm attachment and select Save Target As.

Holy cow!  Thank you!  I haven't had a chance to download and look at this yet, but I am floored that you would take the time to lay it all out.  Hopefully I can make adjustments that will allow it to work.  Thanks again!

Thanks, but it isn't that big of a deal. Once you get the hang of SCARM ( or any track design software) things go pretty fast. I spent more time switching screens back and forth to see which tracks you used.

I was finally able to take a look.  I think I need to go back to the (SCARM) drawing board.  How much play is there in the fastrack?  I assume it is pretty rigid and needs to line up on paper to work in the real world.

And welcome to this great forum and OGR.

I don't use FasTrack, so I don't know how forgiving it is. Bear in mind, I simply entered the tracks you used, I didn't make any changes and I think you can reduce the number of small pieces. Try this one where I reduced the number of small pieces and everything connects in the program. AFAIK this should all connect in real life too and the simulation runs fine.

here's my fitment of your track plan. I didn't do the yards. You can build to suit.

FasTrack can handle some short joints being pulled together. I have never pulled more than an 1/8". Forcing it wider with a longer piece than needed will cause more issues or require more tracks to be screwed down and be a pain to assemble.

I have also attached the handy dandy FasTrack lengths reference to find combinations to fill gaps.

I tend to build around switch combinations and crossovers first, as they are less forgiving in fitment options. I built yours top down, the switch combos and end loops, one leg to the 90° cross, copied it to the other leg and then filled in between.

By the way, nice work with the CAD. Not far off and you caught the need for the switch fitters on the O72 switches.

Nice!  Thank you.  I've been fiddling around with the SCARM and coming up with even more layouts.  I'll post them for perusal.  

The length chart is much appreciated.  

A question: do the O72 switches require the little 1.375" extensions at every joint, or only when transitioning between switch to switch?

Unlike SCARM, RR-Track will not let you connect another switch (or track) to the curve or thru/straight legs of an O72 (or O60) switch without the extensions. That's why the switches come with 2 extensions with roadbed and one without. I don't work with FasTrack that often and I forgot that when I reconfigured your layout, so I apologize for that and thank Carl for pointing out my error.

Deuce5150 posted:

Nice!  Thank you.  I've been fiddling around with the SCARM and coming up with even more layouts.  I'll post them for perusal.  

The length chart is much appreciated.  

A question: do the O72 switches require the little 1.375" extensions at every joint, or only when transitioning between switch to switch?

Yes, the 060 & 072 typically require one of those on the diverging and thru end. They fill in the roadbed. The no roadbed is when you join one of those ends to another switch. if you look at the product photo of the O72 remote on the Lionel website (original switch), it's is obvious.

There are some exceptions, but no need to address those now.

Also, the 1 3/8" have a center rail jumper that can be removed to isolate loops or blocks.

RR-Track is the only software that defaults or safeguards one from leaving them out accidently.

The design that you created has a lot of play value. It won't bore you quickly.

Not sure of the orientation, but I would suggest keeping switches within arm's reach as much is reasonably possible. So, flip the top(back) to the bottom (front)

Here it is flipped with the crossover switches oriented off of the curve to straighten the transition.

I finally got a chance to look at your interpretation of the layout and I love it.  I leaves a lot of space to play with the yard.  Thank you!

DoubleDAZ posted:

I don't use FasTrack, so I don't know how forgiving it is. Bear in mind, I simply entered the tracks you used, I didn't make any changes and I think you can reduce the number of small pieces. Try this one where I reduced the number of small pieces and everything connects in the program. AFAIK this should all connect in real life too and the simulation runs fine.

 

That's an ingenious track plan.  Plenty of continuous running and plenty of switching action.  And may I add, it all seems to be on a nice flat surface, making it easier to build and maintain.  Nice.  

Thanks!  I had some time over the weekend to lay out a "yard" with Moonman's flipped interpretation of the layout.  Side note: SCARM is awesome.

The left side will be my Experimental Pennsylvania Railroad yard with an S1 #6100 and an S2 #6200 parked at the bottom off of the wye switch and various freight and passenger cars in the yard up top.

The right side will be my Operational Union Pacific Steam Fleet.  I'd like to have three of Union Pacific's currently (or soon to be) running steam locomotives parked on the little three-pronged yard at the bottom right: FEF-3 #844, Challenger #3985 and Big Boy #4014.  The yard at right top will store their collection of cars.  

I'd like to have a big passenger station in the empty triangle area up top and maybe build a couple engine houses to go over the locomotive parking lots.

Thinking about it now, though, maybe I should mirror it.  UP in the "west" and PRR in the "east"...  It seems these layouts are never finalized.  

Looking at it today with the exported bitmap overlaid on my CAD software it appears I can extend the four main straights a bit past the switches that lead to the crossing.  That will allow for a little bit more room to extend the rolling stock yards a bit and some more clearance for the back walls of the engine houses.  I'll be rushing home after work to add a little length.  The plan is for 8'x20'.  I feel obligated to use up that whole twenty feet!

Of course, it's all a bit of a pipe dream for now considering the thousands of dollars worth of locomotives I want, not to mention all the switches and rolling stock.  It will likely be years in the making.  But, I figure there is no deadline and it never hurts to plan ahead!

Don't underestimate some basic scenery, like trees and shrubs and such. I left the space on the ends for that. You could also elevate the outside loop about 3"-4" in the back and create a nice effect. The end space would allow for rock or berm to fill in under the grade. The grade is 2% to 4".

Very true.  Never finalized.  

Of course right after I posted it up, I noticed that I accidentally put an O-60 switch in there, so I need to correct that or giant locomotives will be heading off the beaten path.

The beauty of the SCARM program is that I was able to export the bitmap and insert it into CAD (Miscrostation).  Then, I could confirm the dimensions of all the tracks and switches and lay it out as well as plan my parking areas.  

Well, the inner loop becomes the yard lead, but I suppose the main is the outer and the branch line is the inner loop. Have you tried the simulator in SCARM? It can help you decide if you like the operation of the track plan or the play value.

Very cool that SCARM can export a format usable in a cad program.

Can you use the CAD for the framing and decking or perhaps even the wiring?

Most of the CAD apps that I tried, I lost patience for the learning curve.

Yeah, I'll be able to use Microstation to draw up anything I need.

I haven't tried the simulator yet.  That is on the agenda.