New to O guage, Fastrack

[Anonymous]

When I was young, I used to run simple layouts with HO. About twenty years ago, my Mom started me on G scale (LGB,) but I have never done more than collect and run under the xmas tree.

I am now a young father, and have moved my 7 year old son into his own room. Last year, I started him on Lionel (Pennsylvania starter set, Fastrack.) His room is large (15 x 24) and we are looking to build a layout in one corner.

The layout will more than likely be a "C" shape, with the entire length, along the back wall, of twelve feet. The upper and lower arms of the "C" will be 4' x 4', while the connecting line will be 2' x 4'. More than likely, we will keep wiring simple, perhaps a few rail control lights and a home and or storefront or two. We will run, typically, one train at a time (smoker with lighted passenger.)

What is my best bet for designing a layout with Fastrack? Is there reasonable software available? I probably will only run a relatively simple loop without much track switching, because, as I understand, Fastrack only has manual.

Thanks for your thoughts in advance.

[willpick]

Your track plan sounds good- a dogbone type loop is a good start. As to track planning software, the only one that I know has Fastrack as a part of their software is RR-Track. website is at : www.rrtrack.com It's expensive, but all of the really good track planners are-- As for the track switches, as faras I know, the remote control O36 switches are in the stores as I type. Hope this helps get you started, and I hope that you and your son have many happy hours running the trains[:)]

[thor CNJ]

I have been using the RR Track software for about three or four years. It is excellent, accurate and helpful. I recommend it without reservation. The Fastrack library is decent. You might want to add an accessory library or two, to help you plan scenery, etc. I have the Plasticville, Miscellaneous O, MTH and Modern Lionel libraries Seeing as most of the vintage Lionel and A,merican Flyer accessories have been reproduced i nrecent years, the Modern Lionel covers a lot.