Any free Track layout software? specially for fasttrack

[Anonymous]

Is there any Free Track layout software out there?

Specially if it can do Fastracks from Lionel.

I own AUTOCAD 2005 as well, is there a plugin to do tracks in there?

Somebody throw me a bone please.

[Anonymous]

also what is that FLEX track or gargrave , how does that work?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I don't think we have the answer you want to hear when it comes to something specificly for Fastrack. Fastrack only came out last year, I'm not sure anyone has any kind of CAD libraries created for it yet. If I'm not mistaken Lionel hasn't even released all of the components they have announced.

Flex track is a different story!!!! Gargraves and Atlas make versions of that, and both are very nice.

What you need to decide is, are you ready to do a permanent layout, or you still wanting to experiment and learn. Sectional track is still a good way to go for a lot of people even beyond the beginning stages. Tom (Spankybird) and Brian (Brianl027) are good examples.

My problem with the integral roadbed track, like Fastrack, is that the system so rigid. You can't simply cut a piece and get good results, like you can with the traditional tubular track.

When you get into flex track, there are no design limitations. You can bend any curve you want, but that is a double edged sword. Now all of the ends of the rails require trimming when you bend them. It is easy to build kinks into the track, so you have to be careful. These are problems that you quickly learn to deal with. The bigger problem is flex track layouts really need to be fastened to the benchwork to retain their shape.

Both Gargraves and Atlas have rigid track sections that can be used with their flex track. Maybe that would be a good compromise to consider. I could probably be more helpful with a recommendation if I knew more about your situation.

[Anonymous]

I need it to be easy and trouble free.

I had problems with previous hobbies in the past, I can't have with trains.

I had a helicopter, and a T-maxx 4x4 gas truck (which i need to sell now on ebay)

I guess trains are nicer, simpler i hope.

I wi***here was fastrack or something close to it in O-27, I understand fastrack is easier to work with than O-27, I know it is more expensive, but if it is easier then I am happy.

I hear MTH real trax has problems with the contacts so that's a big no for me.
Now flex track is out of the list as well.
I have to check if K-line makes nice track? else I am only left with fastrack.
I wish fastrack was O27 or O31 instead of O36,[:(]

I will be setting up a layout of 4x8, dont' have much more space for now.
And have a wife that's against all hobbies. [V]

She will get into it once I have the layout though, it just can't be messy, has to look nice.

That's my situation [:D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

Sorry to hear of your previous hobby troubles. Let's see if we can't make this one a success. Trains don't have to be difficult, they can be as easy or complicated as you care to make them. I've been doing this for over 30 years, so I like mine fairly complex. One thing that is safe to say is that if you get bored, you're doing it wrong.[swg]

The thing about Fastrack is that it looks simple on the surface, and as long as you only desire to create basic regular shapes it should be OK. The problem comes when those shapes lose their appeal, and eventually they do.

I'm not sure why Lionel decided to go with that 36" diameter circle, it kind of messes up track plans for the standard 4 x 8 layout. You can still do those plans, they just turn out larger, more like 5 x 9.

K-line SuperSnap and Shadow Rail are very nice looking products, and would work well for what you want to do. Flex track seems like overkill here.

Did you check out Thor's website like I mentioned in my post on one of your other topics? Here's the link again, lots of good basic layout ideas there.

http://thortrains.com/

Bottom line here is take your time, and stick with us. Ask questions, which you seem to be able to do just fine, and have fun.[8D]

[Anonymous]

Is the k-line supersnap reliable? I see that they have O-31 curves.

Is it easy to connect, Do those plastic snap ties break easilly?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I don't like the looks of shadowrail, because you probably have to move the pins around [B)]

I like the idea of easy snapping track, which is why I was looking at lionel fastrack, but I see that it is kinda big.

I did goto the train layout site you recommended, it's pretty cool.

I need to decide what type of track to get though. Right now sice matters.
I don't want the trains derrailing though.
is O-31 kline super snap good enought to not make the trains derrail and fall to the floor?

[Big_Boy_4005]

O 31 has been around for a long time. Yes it is possible to derail on the curves, the secret is to turn the speed down.[;)] If you try hard you can derail on O 72's.

Track pins aren't the end of the world. With new track, the only time you would need to move any is if you were trying to create a curve the opposite direction from normal. It happens. Got pliers?

The advantage to pins is they can give you a better electrical connection, and that will help reduce frustration in the long run. As Martha says, "it's a good thing."

I haven't seen the K-line track in person yet. It looks good in the catalog though.

I'm going back to bed. I was up way too late, and had to get up way too early, to get my kids off to school. Be back later.[|)][zzz][zzz][zzz][:)]

[Anonymous]

There have been reviews that have reported that Lionel's FASTRACK is much noisier than standard track. Attempts of placing it on cork, carpet, and other materials, helped somewhat... but not entirely. The problems seems to arise from the "hollow" shell balast. Suggestions to decrease the noise range from cutting and inserting cotton or foam... or spraying the inside with "spray-can foam".

Lionel should have performed a db (decibel) test, and if found too noisy, chosen another type of "hollow balast" material, prior to production.

To many, the noise level may not matter. To others, running several trains at the same time, it will.

[Anonymous]

what about a software that can do K-line supersnaps, since I am giving out on fastrack

[Big_Boy_4005]

Actually for the K-line track you could probably use the Atlas freeware. I think most of the pieces are about the same for size and shape. They might be off a little, but not much.