on my layout im adding a 40x60 inch oval thats elevated so i can run 2 trains. how many trestles does this take?
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Put a trestle at every track joint.
I think FastTrack looks a bit silly on elevated track, since ballast isn't used on trestles. In other words, you may want to think about using good ol' regular tubular 'O42', 'O', or even 'O27' track for the elevated oval. Lionel's older trestle sets and tubular track are much cheaper, and they'll look much more realistic when used together. Higher end track (like Atlas or Gargraves could be used, but I don't know if trestle sets are available for their types of tracks. I think FasTrack should be used for the lower level that actually sits flush on the main board. The built-in ballast looks best anywhere else BUT on trestles.
Unfortunately, I am not at home so I can’t check, but be aware that the Fastrack elevated system comes with metal spacing bars - not sure of their exact length - which kind of determine the spacing of the trestles. I use them on an elevated section of one of my main lines which uses O-72 curves... the metal bars do not allow you to place one at each joint on the curves, but they still work. Hopefully, this pic gives you a general idea of the appearance.
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If you want to elevate Fastrack, I suggest the MTH Realtrax trestles for Fastrack. 40-1134 is the elevated set, 40-1113 is the graduated set. Yes, they are made specifically for Lionel Fastrack and let you place the trestles anywhere you want. I think they look better as well. They are a different height than the Lionel; that may factor into your decision.
Took a look at trestles suggested by PLCPROF above; I plan on elevating mine; I like the MTH better - saw a bunch on the Trainworld site - https://www.trainworld.com/sea...TH+realtrax+trestles
RickM46 posted:Took a look at trestles suggested by PLCPROF above; I plan on elevating mine; I like the MTH better - saw a bunch on the Trainworld site - https://www.trainworld.com/sea...TH+realtrax+trestles
Be careful - Your link takes you to the 40-1034, which are the trestles for Realtrax. The one for Fastrack is 40-1134.
PLCProf posted:If you want to elevate Fastrack, I suggest the MTH Realtrax trestles for Fastrack. 40-1134 is the elevated set, 40-1113 is the graduated set. Yes, they are made specifically for Lionel Fastrack and let you place the trestles anywhere you want. I think they look better as well. They are a different height than the Lionel; that may factor into your decision.
fastrack trestles are much cheaper tho (on amazon which i use)
Somebody needs to explain how the ballast does not fall off the elevated track sections. Very unrealistic.
PLCProf posted:RickM46 posted:Took a look at trestles suggested by PLCPROF above; I plan on elevating mine; I like the MTH better - saw a bunch on the Trainworld site - https://www.trainworld.com/sea...TH+realtrax+trestles
Be careful - Your link takes you to the 40-1034, which are the trestles for Realtrax. The one for Fastrack is 40-1134.
Good catch!!, I thought all models would fit Fastrack!!; guess not.
For MTH Fastrack trestles, put a trestle at every track joint or every 10 inches, whichever is less. I tried putting a trestle at each end of a Fastrack 30 inch piece and it sagged with the weight of the train.
Actually, ballast can be on trestles. It is called a deck trestle. There is a wooden deck built on top of the trestle bents with a wooden ridge on both sides. The ballast is then filled in between the ties. I have actually seen this and walked across it as a much younger man back in 1975 when I lived in Clarksville, Tennessee. This particular trestle was built by the Tennessee Central Railway and, in 1975, was being operated by the Illinois Central. They operated the TC segment from Hopkinsville, Ky to Nashville Tn after the TC went bankrupt in 1968. As I recall, they had one train each way.
RoyBoy posted:Somebody needs to explain how the ballast does not fall off the elevated track sections. Very unrealistic.
Super glue!
BENNETT V,
It’s your railroad, use whichever track you like, or are already invested in.
As to your actual question, I would agree with ROMILLER49 above, put a trestle at every track joint. You will need to calculate the number of trestles required based on your track plan. If you use any 30 inch sections, put one at each track joint, and one 10 inches in from either end.
just my opinion from past experience.
Gary
PLCProf posted:If you want to elevate Fastrack, I suggest the MTH Realtrax trestles for Fastrack. 40-1134 is the elevated set, 40-1113 is the graduated set. Yes, they are made specifically for Lionel Fastrack and let you place the trestles anywhere you want. I think they look better as well. They are a different height than the Lionel; that may factor into your decision.
I'm using both of those sets which work perfectly with the Fastrack. I do place the trestles anywhere they are needed and even did some cutting to them to clear a track underneath. Very sturdy and secure.
Long curves might need an extra pier. Heavier engines means closer piers to counter twisting. The flex and strain is borderline for stability in tressel kits imo.. I used extra piers with tube, and would wi
RoyBoy posted:Somebody needs to explain how the ballast does not fall off the elevated track sections. Very unrealistic.
"If I could levitate I would sell lots of tickets" 
Some stationary bridges get ballasted. A flexible,push-on girder edge for FT, kinda like AFX/Aurora slot car guard rails or an automobile door edge guard, etc.. would be nice. I always thought it looked funny where ballast would fall too, better with no ballast imo.
