Lionel FasTrack Operating Track

Yes. The track you have there is an uncoupling track for Lionel o-27 track. All it is, is an electromagnet. And so is the new fastrack operating track and uncoupling track. It pulls down the plunger on the bottom of the car and releases the spring and dumps the load.

If you just need an electromagnet, just get an uncoupling track. It's a bit cheaper.

Hey Tom,

What do you mean by just get an "uncoupling track"?  Is that a different Lionel part that only has the magnet as opposed to the 6-12054 which has more features?  Thanks for helping a rookie!

You could buy the FASTRACK uncoupling track as well for that car .  !  I have both !   The operating track seems to need more power when in operation !  

Are you  running conventional ?   if yes  run the extra wires to have constant power to the operating track .   just a word of advice !  

My goal is to use it with my son's Polar Express Ready-to-Run set to dump some miniature Christmas gifts!  I was hoping it would run off the standard transformer in that set, 6-14198 (CW-80).

Also, WRGMILW, you said you had both.  Do you have the newer FasTrack operational section (6-12054) or the older tubular operating section?  Which one do you prefer?

The FasTrack operating track will operate the car pictured just fine.  I have a similar dump, log dump, and the mail boxcar.   The FasTrack operating track powered by the CW-80 transformer works just fine on my layout.  I'd also recommend a small handful of marbles for your dump car if you have those around.  The kids enjoy the noise that makes.

A fastrack uncoupling track is a different part number from the operating track. It only has a magnet, not the extra rails that help actuate things like the giraffe car. If you only have operating cars that have a single knob on the bottom of the car, like your dump car, than an uncoupling track is all you need.

Here is a tutorial on uncoupling and operating tracks by Mike Reagan, God bless him. Hope this helps.

https://youtu.be/xUen9ktP92M

You've all been very helpful.  I've already won an uncoupling track on eBay! (part number 6-12020).  Look forward to trying it all out at Christmas!

Prospector posted:

I'd also recommend a small handful of marbles for your dump car if you have those around.  The kids enjoy the noise that makes.

"Check your other pocket" - Conductor to hero boy

Yep, that's the one 6-12020. Just put it in the layout and connect the button wires. Candy delivered by the child is also a good load.