Activity Cars & FasTrack

[Anonymous]

Is "confused newbie" oxymoronic? Regardless, I'm a confused newbie trying to figure out the best way to operate a coal dump car on FasTrack. I've checked out the new Lionel 2004 catalog and still can't figure it out. I see the uncoupler track and such but I still don't see what to get for activity cars. Is the uncoupling kit all you need? Also, what's the best control mechanism to operate the uncoupling track if that's what it is? If anyone can tell me the exact Lionel part numbers to order I'll be forever indebted. (I emailed Lionel the same question but I've no idea how fast they respond so I thought I'd hedge my bets!) If everyone here is too busy to answer these mundane questions--hey I understand completely! Thanks!

[Roger Bielen]

Looking at the Lionel Vol. 1, 2003 Cat. I see that they show a uncoupling track. In addition to uncoupling this track would be used to activate operating cars with a magnetic disc, i.e. a box car with delivery man. For the cars with pick-up shoes that require the additional rails I don't see them as available. You can check out the newest cat. on Lionel's web site, www.lionel.com, and see if they have anything new. Lionel seems to really be taking their time on getting a full track system available.

If you feel daring you could try to make your own operating track by installing two pieces of brass for the additional rails and wiring them to a push button, I use this method with Gargraves track.

[Roger Bielen]

Looking at the Lionel Vol. 1, 2003 Cat. I see that they show a uncoupling track. In addition to uncoupling this track would be used to activate operating cars with a magnetic disc, i.e. a box car with delivery man. For the cars with pick-up shoes that require the additional rails I don't see them as available. You can check out the newest cat. on Lionel's web site, www.lionel.com, and see if they have anything new. Lionel seems to really be taking their time on getting a full track system available.

If you feel daring you could try to make your own operating track by installing two pieces of brass for the additional rails and wiring them to a push button, I use this method with Gargraves track.

[FEClionel]

I have the same problem and I think the best solution is to purchase the O gauge track adaptor and buy an operating/activity O gauge track piece(the $30 one). That would fill the void until Lionel produces a similair one for Fastrack. I just purchased my first lot of fastrack yesterday and its awesome. Also if you look at the 2004 Lionel catalog notice that Fastrack is used in every display of rolling stock, engines and even premium and Postwar Celebration Series sets. They have also released new switches and radius of curved track in Fastrack and Lionel has reduced the price of 027, so that should tell you something. I guess they are really commited to making Fastrack the O guage track of this millenium.