Putting a dip in Fastrack layout

TedEakins posted:

  Is it possible to mate fastrack with something flexible.   

You can connect FasTrack (6-12040 ) to GarGraves. To make curves, GarGraves flex track is great. I haven't tried flexing it up/down. I would expect that you will have issues with the pickup rollers.

The Lionel disappearing layout could be adapted to what you are trying to achieve. Do a Google search for "buildlionelsdisappearinglayout.pdf"

I don't remember the name, but, many years ago, a company sold flexible track that was made up of many, may rail segments for each 3' (?) length.  I curled up pretty tightly in the box and might work for this application.  I'm sorry that the name escapes me, but maybe someone else can remember.

palallin posted:

I don't remember the name, ...

It's called Roll-a-track.  Shows up on eBay from time to time.

palallin posted:

I don't remember the name, but, many years ago, a company sold flexible track that was made up of many, may rail segments for each 3' (?) length.  I curled up pretty tightly in the box and might work for this application.  I'm sorry that the name escapes me, but maybe someone else can remember.

flex-i-track perhaps?

Gilly@N&W posted:

TedEakins posted:

  Is it possible to mate fastrack with something flexible.   

You can connect FasTrack (6-12040 ) to GarGraves. To make curves, GarGraves flex track is great. I haven't tried flexing it up/down. I would expect that you will have issues with the pickup rollers.

The Lionel disappearing layout could be adapted to what you are trying to achieve. Do a Google search for "buildlionelsdisappearinglayout.pdf"

Exactly my first thought - instead of the mountain that it disappears into it could be a pond - hiding the entrance and exit will need some creativity.

The "dip" would not be a good idea. Trains do not like them and do bad things.  

Here is a youtube of a version of it Thanks to Steve "PaPa" Eastman for the Link

Here is an original on youtube  from this thread "A real 1950 D-27 Disappearing Train Layout"

I had an unintended dip in my Christmas layout, where someone had stepped on a crossover. Certain steamers, like my Polar Express, would hit the track with the cow catcher, tossing lots of pretty sparks. Short cars, like my RMT Beefs and Peeps, would uncouple. Wasn’t fun. 

Thanks for the great input.  I see now how a dip would create problems with couplings and maybe pickup rollers.  The disappearing train link was very helpful.  I guess I need to spend some more time at the drawing board. It sounds like I would have to do a sub grade incline coming out of a tunnel and the train emerging half-exposed through ice then going though a mountain pass as the tracks are exposed.    

Signalwoman posted:

flex-i-track perhaps?

You are correct, I was mistaken. There are items on eBay now. Pretty amazing that you can still find this stuff NIB.

Signalwoman posted:

flex-i-track perhaps?

Yes, that is what I was thinking of.  Thanks!

And thanks to Gilly for remembering more than I did, at least.