Lionel FasTrack Layout Software for Android Tablets.

I don't know of any layout design apps for tablets, so if you don't have a desktop or laptop PC, I think you're out of luck. Depending on what kind of layout you're looking for, you might find someone here willing to work with you to come up with a design and a list of tracks needed. Or you can use one of the layout design companies.

Ready-To-Run train sets come with track. If you buy Lionel, most will come with FasTrack, some may come with O27 (tubular) track. Lionel does make a piece that lets you mix FasTrack with O27 track for those who have both, but if you don't have a lot of each, you're better off in the long run to settle on one type of track.

You don't have to buy sets though unless you want to buy only from your local dealer and all they sell are sets. You can buy new and used engines, cars and track online. In both cases, check the return policy before buying.

When it comes to repair, if you buy something from your local dealer or online and it fails in a short time, you can generally return it for a replacement or repair. Dealer policies differ though and if you buy online, you might have to pay return shipping, so be sure to check before you buy.

Just because someone sells trains doesn't mean they repair them. If they do repair, they might not be an authorized repair center, so they may not do warranty repairs for anything you don't buy from them. In that case, you'll have find a repair center or send broken items to Lionel. If they're still under warranty, then the warranty policies will apply. I don't know what Lionel warranties cover, you may have to pay shipping, etc., so be sure to check before you buy, so you know what to do in case of a problem.

There are no tablet layout software packages that I know of.

Dave Thank you so much for your time in trying to help me with my problem. To be honest with you I didn't think anybody would answer my question. Now as I said earlier in my request It is true that I don't have both a desk & Laptop Computers, but I looked at every possible website on my android tablet too see if there was a site that would help me find anything about layout design software. 

Thanks Dave I'll take your advice on the suggestions you gave me. Sincerely 

Allan G Martinez 

Hi Allan,

I think FasTrack would be easier to assemble than the Lionel tubular like your childhood set had. Do you still have good use of your hands?

I don't believe you will find any layout software for Android. Layout software is not basic. It requires the power of an operating system like Windows or Mac OS. I also think a tablet screen would be too small.

Draw what you would like to have with pencil and paper and include the size and shape of the table. Take a photo of the drawing and post it. Someone can convert it to a plan with track. Then, you will know which track to purchase and how to assemble it. We can send it as photos or Adobe reader files that you will be able to view on your tablet.

Allan, you're welcome, but I was just the first to reply, there are plenty of helpful folks here. And like Carl said, if you can draw things out on paper and post a photo of the drawing, someone here will help enter it in one of the design programs we use (mostly SCARM or RR-Track) and eventually get you something you can put together.

I should add that there are apps for Android that let you design/draw, many for home design, but none with any kind of track libraries, unless you want to play with the train simulation games that let you create cities, streets and tracks with predefined pieces. Even though they're games, they can be fun to mess around with.

Hi Carl I want to Thank you for sending me the reply. I do want to stay with FasTrack because when I received The Polar Express O Gauge Set I realized how easy the set came together. 

I guess if there's anything I should be concerned about it would be where to place the operating systems such as log loader, milk car, ice block factory, saw mill etc...

Do you know what I mean? Should I have all of these different operating systems real close to me so I can recover the ones that didn't make it? Carl if you can think of suggestions for these items I sure would appreciate it very much. 

Sincerely Allan 

Allan,

It always helps to have the operating accessories within reach. Nature of the item to need attention now and then.

How much space do you have for the train table?

A 5' x 9' opens up a lot of possibilities, but can eat up a good sized room leaving aisles around it.

Carl I was given a budget by the President of the Bank (aka My Wife) & that budget is 36' x 56'!!! Now what I would like to know is What exactly did you mean when you mentioned A 5' × 9' opens up a lot of possibilities, but can eat up a good sized room leaving aisles around it. I'll talk to you soon have a great day tomorrow. 

Allan 

Allan Martinez posted:

Carl I was given a budget by the President of the Bank (aka My Wife) & that budget is 36' x 56'!!! Now what I would like to know is What exactly did you mean when you mentioned A 5' × 9' opens up a lot of possibilities, but can eat up a good sized room leaving aisles around it. I'll talk to you soon have a great day tomorrow. 

Allan 

Allan,

I meant that 5' x 9' for O gauge small diameter curves is a sweet spot size to fit both a fun operating layout and room for accessories.

Is that feet or typo for inches?!!!

Evening Carl, 

How are you on this Hot Summer Night? To answer your question last time My layout is 36ft. X 56ft. You want to know something I just realized that I couldn't draw a decent stick figure even if my life depended on it. 

Well Sir I hope you have a wonderful Fathers Day and I'll talk to you soon. 

Allan Martinez 

Allan,

Forgive me for assuming that you were talking about a typical size layout. Reading of your childhood layout and the Polar Express set sent my thoughts to a 5' x 9'.

Having ample space to build any size, how much space are you thinking about using?

Thank you for the Father's Day wishes.

Allan, if your are building a layout larger than a sheet or two of plywood, you are making a considerable investment in time, effort, and cost.  Designing the layout using software is a lot easier than assembling and rearranging track.  FasTrack doesn't flex like tubular so you need to have the proper "fit" pieces on hand.  Since Android is not supported by the layout design software developers, I suggest you acquire an inexpensive new or refurbished PC (desktop, notebook, or tablet with Windows 7 or later) and buy a copy of RR-Track (rrtrack.com) with FasTrack and building/accessory libraries.  You can design your dream layout(s), make sure all the track pieces fit together, and get a list of all the track part numbers you will need to build it.

FWIW, I find using a mouse vs. touchscreen an order of magnitude faster when using graphic editing programs.  The latest Windows tablets that come with a fine point stylus may be a workable solution but I have not used RR-Track on one.

Carl thanks for your help the space I'm planning on using depends on how many operating accessories and cars the ones I have to load up manually. 

I wish there were more accessories that would unload as well as load more rolling stock. The Forklift Accessory now it can only unload, but I 

bet it would be nice to have the Forklift programmed to load a freight car as well. The same would go for a crane. You start by having a branch line at the end of a logging site. 

While the logs have been brought down from the site then the crane takes over by loading the logs onto the flat cars & then delivers the logs to the mill.

What do you think of that idea? 

Carl I hope you have a nice week I'll talk to you soon.

Allan G Martinez 

Tracker John, Thank you for sending me that idea. Do you think my Android Tablet will also take Windows? Please let me know I'm almost desperate I just don't know what to do. 

I hope to hear from you soon Thank you. 

Allan G Martinez 

Allan, your tablet will NOT run Windows. John was suggesting you buy a cheap PC or a Windows tablet, like a Surface Pro. His point is that if you are going to invest in a large layout, you're looking at spending a lot of money, so a few hundred for a refurbished PC to run RR-Track or SCARM to do your design work would be a good investment. I think we're all wondering just how much of your 36'x56' space you actually plan to use for a layout.

Thanks Dave I'll look into it. Also I misinformed you guys about the size of the layout. The Basement is 36' x 56' but my Wife says that whatever space I need is OK with her as long as the layout doesn't get in her way & she has plenty of room so she doesn't have to walk sideways from the stairs to the washer and dryer, the ironing board & the hanging racks. 

Besides I'm going to do this along the perimeter of the Basement with a 2nd level in some places & in the middle leaving me some room to get around. 

Allan 

You wait for apps, that tablet wont run Windows.

   But it may be able to control a windows program remotely if you had the right windows machine also. Seems I read recently one "tablet" (but which?) could do that.

 Aside from that, list better details, and ideas just may "appear" in pictures at least, if you get a computer after a bit, you can ask for those files from others and build off it .

  Is 36x56 the actual room dimension, or working space? What about train storage? A big yard, or display shelves? Cabinets? Things like furniture, door, stairway, pillars, and window placement. I.e What are the limits?

Allan Martinez posted:

Carl thanks for your help the space I'm planning on using depends on how many operating accessories and cars the ones I have to load up manually. 

I wish there were more accessories that would unload as well as load more rolling stock. The Forklift Accessory now it can only unload, but I 

bet it would be nice to have the Forklift programmed to load a freight car as well. The same would go for a crane. You start by having a branch line at the end of a logging site. 

While the logs have been brought down from the site then the crane takes over by loading the logs onto the flat cars & then delivers the logs to the mill.

What do you think of that idea? 

Carl I hope you have a nice week I'll talk to you soon.

Allan G Martinez 

The Lionel Gantry crane  or Lionel non-moving Gantry would be a nice addition. There is now gantry track and I believe a modern motorized version. That can take a lot of time to load and unload materials.

Culvert, log and coal loaders & unloaders in various versions.

The forklift to me is just a push & watch item - not very interactive.

Here's a couple of down & dirty views of the space assuming 3' runs along the walls and 6'x12' sections on the ends. I have no idea where doors, etc., are, so this is just to show the overall space while providing reachable access, space for reversing loops and a 4' wide opening for access to washer, dryer, etc.

To follow up on Adriatic's comments, there are tablet apps that let you control a PC, but my experience with those says it would be very difficult to control something like RR-Track or SCARM without the mouse/touchpad. And, if you have the PC, why would you not use it directly?

Given all that space, you can do a lot more by adding multiple peninsulas and other design elements to provide reach and give your wife a path she's okay with.

Allan Martinez posted:

Carl I was given a budget by the President of the Bank (aka My Wife) & that budget is 36' x 56'!!! Now what I would like to know is What exactly did you mean when you mentioned A 5' × 9' opens up a lot of possibilities, but can eat up a good sized room leaving aisles around it. I'll talk to you soon have a great day tomorrow. 

Allan 

I certainly wouldn't rush into building a huge layout to fill your space. Consider building a modest size of layout with provision to add onto it progressively.

That's likely good advice Ace.

  My own taste in that much area, would be small islands of "individual layouts" connected by a mainline (or three ) around the room. Or at least one smaller one connected to the big one, that way I could run trains while I build too.

  I normally just advocate for a carpet layout to keep someone both running, and enthused, but with that much room,  an extra table wouldn't likely be in the way much.

Running, also tends to inspire new ideas