MTH RealTrax + O Tubular + Lionel FasTrack Questions

Back when I ran 1/2 RealTrax and 1/2 Fastrack, I connected the 40-1011 directly to the 6-12040 and the "double transition" worked flawlessly. I will let others comment on the effect of tubular track on DCS signals.

PLCPROF,

I hadn't thought of that; I was thinking too literally regarding the "transition" pieces but that makes perfect sense!  Given that it avoids the tubular section entirely,  I would assume that the DCS signal would be fine as I've used it with both types of track and the center and outside pins would be involved.  But as you wrote, others may weight in with real world advice.

Thanks for the great tip,

TRRR

My MTH and Lionel O gauge transition pieces arrived today from MB Klein along with some other goodies.  As advertised, they went together beautifully and the rail connections were seamless.  This opens up great new possibilities for expanding my railroad into the northern frontier known as "The Dining Room". 

Thanks again for the tip.

Tomlinson Run Railroad

P. S. -- DCS, as expected, was fine. The only problem was standing near the extra track increased the distance from the remote to the line-of-site commander.  Easily solved 'though.

Would like to see pictures of your layout in whatever form it is in.  Carpet layouts always fascinate me for a couple of reasons.  1) You usually have to be creative with the layout to protect your equipment from collateral damage, 2) it shows that you have excellent negotiation skills to have obtained all the permits from the various regulating agencies across your railroad empire.  I always send the grandson in to ask.  I am but a mere apprentice working under him studying and learning his skills, phraseology, and body language.

Hi AUSSTEVE,

My cheapie camera doesn't have a decent lense to take in the entire shortline but I do have some photos from before last night's extension experiments adding the Lionel track spur. I see that you started a separate thread for carpet layouts and I will post them to that, perhaps over the weekend.  Yes, you do have to be careful with placement; I'll have more to say there about the hazzards of fireplace corners, feet, furniture, house guests, and previous owners' taste in shag carpet.

As the sole proprietor of the land and rolling stock, negotiations aren't a problem at the TRRR; however the wage staff doesn't always listen to me when I give orders like "time to clean the kitchen", "put the remote down and go write your dissertation", or especially, "House Rule 1234: you've bought enough train stuff for one year".  But your young mentor sounds quite adept -- no doubt with future superintendent or director potential. And you sound like an apt pupil.

This AM I noted that I'll need at least another switch, and one more each of the transition pieces to create my long dreamed of returning/change direction loop to far away Table Top Mountain hidden beyond Love Seat Hill.  But my ultimate dream is finding space for a wye. With just this simple experiment,  I now think I can do that -- once I get the sections.  Cite Rule 1234 here!

Then there's geometrically balancing the 0-31 and O-36 curve differences between RealTrax and FasTracks. But over the weekend, I'll at least line up all my track and see where and how far it can go.  It would be fun to have a Bump and Go Trolley come flying out of the dinning area around or under the sofa, and into the main loop with interior loop in the living room.

Goodnews is that so far the new Lionel spur has full track power without my having to run an additional feed.  I did make an AC adaptor for my Lionel powered section, so I could use it if needed.

TRRR