I am making an O-72 curve with FasTrack and in order to get some switches into the curve to fit properly, I am inserting a section of O-48 curve half circle, then O-72, then O-48 quarter-circle. Does anyone know if this will work OK for a locomotive with a minimum curve of O-72, or will this derail my train frequently? Thanks for your help in advance.
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ricking,
It all depends on the individual engine and tender, some will be ok some will not.
The best way to eliminate your problem is to purchase the new Bladerunner Rockwell X2 Portable Table Saw, with this Saw you can make your own custom pieces of FasTrack, I have been doing this custom track work on my layout now sense just before Christmas. You can pick up one of these custom track making X2 Saws at Lowes, if you are a Vet it will cost you $89.00.
PCRR/Dave
The X2 will cut FasTrack at any angle and any length you need to customize your FT layout. The overhead guard arm is completely removable, for exacting work.
Thanks Dave,
I was thinking of using a Big Boy on the above modification of FasTrack. How do you use the saw to make your own custom FasTrack?
ricking,
As I build I simply measure the custom track piece I need to insert and mark the correct angle, of the track I am going to alter. Place the track piece you intend to alter on the flat surface of the X2 table saw and cut both the base and the rails as you would a piece of ply wood. The Rockwell X2 gives high speed clean cuts, when used correctly. Then take the flat pins out of the end you are not going to use and insert them in the end of the custom made track piece. I drill small holes in the custom track piece to insert the flat pins, in the same manner Lionel makes their original FT pieces.
I use a rotary file to make the rails perfect for joining. When done correctly you can not tell the custom track from Lionel's original track, I have even modified switches in this manner.
PCRR/Dave
nothing there.
ricking, I think that you are going to bind up or derail with that config. BB will not navigate 048.
Volphin,
I believe you are correct that is why I showed him the custom track making tool, Rick will need to make custom FT to engineer what he wants to due for his layout for his BB to run on it correctly.
Rick,
Should be 2 pictures of custom FT joins for you to see now. They come out so perfect you can not really tell them from the original tracks, when made correctly.
PCRR/Dave
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