Fast Track Problem (Switch Availability)

[dbaker48]

I think I may have a problem. I was planning to use fastrack on a new layout. I need O72'' radius and looks like minimum of 42" on other lines. Of course fastrack only offers 72, 60, and 36 radius switches. Dilemna.... I
For optimizing space I had planned on 42" as a minimum, NOW...

Guess maybe looking at Ross as a possibility.

Open to suggestions.....

[darsenau]

K-line Shadow Track and Super Track are available in 42" and other radii.

[Jumijo]

Ross switches are very reliable. Used with Gargraves track, the layout would look nice and be quieter than FasTrack, but you would have to ballast the layout yourself as opposed to having it already built into the FasTrack.

Jim

[Anonymous]

You can get adapter sections to go from FastTrack to O if there is a switch that doesn't match your needs. BTW, while looking at Ross, take a look at their road bed material. It works with atlas as well as Ross track.

[EIS2]

If I were you, I would make every effort to stay with all FasTrack. The switches and track are excellent. There was also some discussion that the switches might be upgradeable to TMCC in the future. However, Lionel has not made any announcement of a TMCC upgrade.

Regards...
Earl Staley

[wrmcclellan]

Don, seems to me that using the 0-60 switches and then transitioning to 0-48 curves should work for you?

Regards,
Roy

[dbaker48]

I really appreciate the input. The family prefers fasttrack appeance, I prefer MTH, oh well. I planned on using some of the Ross switches for yard functions, but was going to stay primarily with fast track. So...........

Roy, That's exactly what I was thinking about, since I put the post up. So I am going to redo all may layout plans with the 0-60 switches and 42" curves and some 54". Then another with the MTH, and finally Ross.

I went through the MTH catalog last night and did a tally on all the engines. I was looking at those that are DCS compatible, thinking if I bought additional engines I would rather delay the purchase to accomodate the DCS or TMCC compatible then the convential for the most part. And also, I am joing a local hi-railers club, (thanks to dougdagrump), and again the DCS or TMCC is prevalent. So the tally resulted in 6 engines that were 31", and over 26 engines that were 42", 2 or 3 that were 54", and 3 72".
So given that I am sure Lionel would probably be about the same proportionally, and it makes sense from a marketing aspect.

So back to the drawing board, Better now than later !!!