Space in track: Think this will be an issue?

you can try something that scale model railroaders have been doing for years... epoxy an oversize chunk of plastic in the gap... let it dry good and hard... then trim the profile to match the track.  other than this, a small (~1/8" gap) in the rail isn't going to bother anything but your nerves.

I have had this before. I can only suggest from the photo that you try and use this chart for Fastrack. It has worked for me every time. Sometimes I had to pull 10" track and use different size small ones to get it to work. Sometimes 2 10" tracks.

I notice a nearby seam in your foam base. Is there any expansion-contraction shifting in the supporting benchwork? Or is the expansion and contraction all in the track itself? Do you have much temperature fluctuation in your layout room?

It seems that with Lionel's Fastrac system you must follow a track plan to the exact letter! I had issues trying to do a small layout with Fastrac, the track got on my nerves too much, and so I traded off the Fastrac at a train show for an MTH engine.

Also I found that you need special fitter pieces of straight track to do anything other than a basic curve design with Fastrac.

It could be me, but I am staying with tubular track in the old Lionel style or Gargraves track, as you can cut and fit so easy.

Lee F.

Well, its a gap I would like to get rid of it it was mine.  When I had fastrack and I cut and trimmed pieces to fit so no gap was over 1 mm wide.

Looks like two spaces to me. Readjust your track work.

the gap on the left is actually just in the bed, its ok.

But the one I circled is not on a seam.

Its one of those deals where you push in one place and then it pops in another

No issues whatsoever, so long as there is electrical continuity, of course.

Appearance? Esthetic judgement call, natch.

There are "gaps" - where only the track pin connects the two sections,

but the track sections themselves to not touch - all over my GarGraves layout in places not easily seen. 20 years old, TMCC, DCS (now); so far, so good.

The shaped and painted styrene - once the track is down for good - will disguise it.

I had to look for it in your photo (red circle a bit dim), so how bad could it be?

And then again......if it truly isn't hurting anything....... a few of us "old" guys remember back in the day rushing to trackside when the wail of a speeding pacific or powerful berkshire signalled its approach, putting an ear to the rail to hear the pounding rythm of the drivers way before you could see the headlight, stepping back as the train approached and taking in every sight, sound, and smell as the steamer roared past, shaking the very ground you were standing on.......and quickly, all you were left with was the slight hint of coal smoke and steam, and the clickety-clack of train's wheels as they hit the rail joints (no welded rail back then).  I have several places where my track doesn't join perfectly, and it produces the same sound I remember from many years ago.  I kind of enjoy the sound.

Steam rules

(a country boy can survive!"