Lionel Fastrack uncoupling track?

[Michael6268]

Thought I read somewhere that Lionel Fastrack uncoupling sections can't be used with fixed voltage. Is this true?

[Jack Derby]

Insofar as I am aware, no. The basics behind both the fastrack and traditional uncouplers are the same, again, insofar as I am aware, so there should be no difference mechanically or electrically

[ADCX Rob]

Michael6268

Is this true?

No.

See page 5 of your Owner's Manual.

Do not, however, use the accessory terminals on your CW-80 Transformer with a build date before the "G" code series.

[Michael6268]

Looks easy enough. One question. What is the reason you can't use it with a CW 80 transformer? Are there any other transformers they should not be used with?

[ADCX Rob]

You can use a CW-80, it just has to be date code "G" or later.

The manual was written with the lowest possible common denominator in mind - which, to make things simple, recommends not using the CW-80. The problem is(was) that the first versions of the CW(tens & tens of thousands) were horribly mis-built with the red "A" & "B" posts as common to each other instead of the black "U" posts. This made common ground wiring schemes very difficult to implement. There is a very confusing work-around for the very determined... much too complicated to address in a owner's manual.

The fix came with the "G" coded transformers. The "U" posts are common.

[Michael6268]

Thanks guys! I'm using a K-line transformer for my accessories etc.. Hope that works OK.

[8ntruck]

For whatever it is worth, I've noticed that the Fastrack uncoupling sections do not work as well on my post war operating cars, like the Minuteman boxcar or the helicopter launching car as the post war uncoupling sections.

[ADCX Rob]

There's good reason - they're built with inferior wire(tiny gauge)/controllers/button switches/coils. There just isn't the power available - mechanically & electrically. They overheat & burn out much quicker.