Since Lionel does not (as yet) make a FastTrack actuating ramp for the 3376/86, etc. series of giraffe cars, FastTrack operators have to roll their own. Fortunately, this is a simple operation!
(excuse the blurriness. Cat.)
Parts needed:
1) 10" FastTrack section.
1) 3376-105 Cam Plate
1) 3424-77 Tell-Tale Pole
12) 3424-78 Tell-Tales
1) 3424-79 Tell-Tale Rod
1) 3424-80 Base Plate
1) KITT-EH Cat (optional)
1.Place the cam plate on the roadbed.
2. Mark the roadbed.
2a. Using a cutting wheel or Dremel saw blade, cut a slot in the roadbed just below the line where the underside of the track meets the roadbed. There's a stiffening rib at this location; cut a small chunk out of that for clearance.
3. Here's the cam ramp installed.
4. Assemble the tell-tale pole and base. If you like, you can put the base under the ramp at the traditional location. Note that, even with the slightly taller FastTrack, the giraffe and car still clear the tell-tales. Taller locomotives and cars may strike the tell-tales; if this bothers you, trim the tell-tales to fit.
5. I find, in practice, that placing the tell-tale even with the end of the ramp produces better results at higher speeds. This is easily done:
And that's it! Have fun with your FastTrack gi-raffe track!
Mitch
