Skip to main content

Long story short, I am the only one allowed in my office at this time. Management has given me permission to set up my trains. 

I have a 12 ft x 36 ft oval of Lionel Fastrack. That measurement is not including the 0-72 turns. 

I have 6 points of distributed power, as well as one switch that I wired power into. 

This is a carpet line, I have never has a layout this large before and the tracks do move a little causing electrical irruptions. 

So I figured is I attached the track to boards of some kind the tracks will stay in place and there will be more consistence electrical contact. 

I am using an MTH Z4000 for my power supply. 

Questions:

What size board would be best. this is for a single line.

How would you handle the turns, I have limited tools, but can adapt. 

Also the Switch that I wired up, I think that is does not act as a power distribution track? Should it or did I do something wrong. 

Keep in mind, this is in an office, its coming down as soon as they lift the shelter in place order, so I don't want to invest a lot of money in this.

As always thanks in advance   

Attachments

Images (4)
  • 60823068595--ECB469D0-412D-47AC-BFA6-8A18898BD5DC
  • 60815185623--F9AAA8EB-F4A4-4F5C-B994-58DFB7D79992
  • 60815184138--C4B3BC0A-8751-47C0-B510-B104926D38D5
  • 60815184637--5FBA9C6B-C62D-48AC-A660-0023C088702A
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

There is a tweak to help assure Fastrack electrical continuity. CAREFULLY (the pins are cast and are somewhat brittle) bend a slight angle on each center-rail pin as shown in this pic:

        IMG_3518

Bend in the direction the screwdriver tip is pointing. This will ensure a friction-fit between adjacent track sections. Lionel recommends this tweak.

I also LIGHTLY crimp each outer-rail hollow end to ensure a friction fit with the adjoining track section pin.

Attachments

Images (1)
  • IMG_3518

Hi Peter, in the corners you might lay down some thick corrugated cardboard (like a heavy box broken down flat). Then use some round paper prong fasteners in the screw holes. The corners is where the FasTrack will feel the separating stress, and cardboard and paper fasteners should be easy enough to manage office supplies.

Also a switch wired for separate power will not act like a distribution point.

Attachments

Images (1)
  • mceclip0
Last edited by AtoZ Lewis

Add Reply

Post
The Track Planning and Layout Design Forum is sponsored by

AN OGR FORUM CHARTER SPONSOR
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×