Like I said I am new so be gentle.

[Anonymous]

I have the new Fastrack and as far as I can tell most of the accessories are not compatible. So did we just waste money buying Fasttrack? I started to buy scenery items but am not sure about the accessories. I have not been able to get to my local train store yet. Are transformers compatable betwwen Fasttrack and other tracks. I am in the process of looking at some books to learn from but I have not been able to purchase any yet or even get to the store..

Any info would help

Thanks

[brianel027]

I'm not sure what accessories you mean. Obviously the higher roadbed of the FasTrack will have some bearing on things like the Operating Milk Car and Stand. I suppose any of the accessories that are designed to have a train car pull along side of them and get loaded or unloaded may have to have that accessory raised or built up a little higher to match the track height. But I'm sure Lionel is thinking about these very thoughts. Remember, FasTrack is still in it's infancy, so-to-speak.
But Lionel seems committed to FasTrack and new items are coming out... I've heard the turnouts have just become available. There's an insulated track section for operating things like signals and crossing gates. As there's also an uncoupling track cataloged... whether these items are available yet, I don't know.
There should be no problems with transformers. The new CW transformer coming with the new train sets should work as well with 027 track as the new FasTrack. As would the old standby Lionel ZW transformer or my favorite, the Lionel 1033. MRC and K-Line transformers will work too. The main thing is not so much the track, but the types of engines you run and whether they have "control" or not. Some of the command control engines have had problems with other mfgers. transformers, like MRC. But MRC has been working on that problem.
Don't feel afraid to ask questions. There's a lot of good folks here posting who have much knowledge on trains... Big_Boy, SaskTinplater and Lionelsoni immediately come to mind.
Welcome to the hobby. It's a fun hobby too. There's a lot to learn and know, but you'll figure it all out in due time. Check out www.thortrains.net
You may get some info from there. The past few issues of Classic Toy Trains have featured a layout being built from start to finish... those articles would probably help you out too with ideas, scenery, wiriing etc., even though the featured layout is being done with 027 track.
brianel, Agent 027

[Anonymous]

I used a couple of LW transformers with my Fastrack Christmas layout ~ no problems. I would have to believe that no matter what transformer you put to the rails, they'll carry the current; you just have to make sure the loco is compatible (AC loco motors with AC-output transformers; DC with DC).
As for accessories, all I've done so far is purchase the insulated sections they've made and stuck a 140 banjo signal and 145 gateman on them. No problems. I'm waiting to see how they resolve the trackside accessory issue.
I've also seen the new switches they came out with. They're manual, and look very nice ~ high switch stand, complete with red target and scale-sized handle. One word of caution, and this come from the guy in the train department at the LHS ~ BE VERY CAREFUL when removing the switch from the box! It seems he reached in and grabbed the cardboard buffer, which is right up against the switch stand. He broke the switchstand off (it's only plastic) and wrecked the switch throwing mechanism. Sure, you can still throw it by moving the points with your finger, but you can't re-glue the switchstand~ it won't handle the pressure.
And as much as I'm pro-Fastrack, I have to wonder how a GOOD switchstand will stand up to the pounding of little fingers throwing it again and again in the excitement of seeing a train 'change lanes' at the last second!

[brianel027]

Trainbud, your info on the FasTrack switches is useful. Is this observation from someone else or do you own them now? You should cut and paste the info under a new posting on FasTrack switches. I think it would interest folks.

brianel, Agent 027

[Anonymous]

what I mean by accessories is that light signals, gates etc. will they work with the new fasttrack... My wife bought me gate when the train rolls over it the gate sdrops but that did not seem to work.. It lights up but either stays the down position.. I adjusted the switch and it did not seem to matter

[guilfordrr]

I looked at the Lionel Vol.2 2003 catolog and only saw one "trackside"
( fyi signals, crossing gates) accessory- the Automatic Gateman reissue- that stated " FasTrack Compatible" on the feature list. But I'm sure that before long Lionel will work with compatiblity. If you think you'll switch to the regular track, FasTrack is perfect for under the Christmas tree.

All Lionel AC transformers are compatible. For instance, my layout is run by a Postwar
K-W and a new CW-80 that came with a set, and I have yet to experience power problems.

I appoligize if I sounded a little rough..........................good luck and have fun![:)]

[Roger Bielen]

Cooker, are you using the pressure type switch that the weight of the train makes the circuit? If so those are difficult to get to operate reliably no matter which track is being used. What is best is the insulated rail section, I believe they call it Accessory track for Fast track.

One outside rail is isolated from the loop and connected to the accessory "ground/return", a car passing over this section of track makes the circuit to the other outside rail allowing the item to function. Failure of a gate, gateman, etc. to return to its "neutral" position might be a spring adjustment or somthing catching.

Good luck.