Originally Posted by MakingTheGrade:
, I think I would like to pick up a circle of O42 track so I can run the long MTH aluminum Amtrak cars. However, I am thinking conservatively to start in terms of track commitments (based on y'alls suggestions). Maybe just starting with an inner and outer oval (assuming an O31 oval will fit within an O42). It does seem folks have different preferences for long term layouts. For example, Lionel Fastrax seems to be preferred somewhat over Realtrax (from the little I've read), in part I guess because Realtrax can make for trickier connections. If that is fair to say?
I could be wrong, but my thought is that Fastrack has more pieces to choose from, especially turnouts and curve radius, so there is a little more leeway in layout design with it. There are also free programs that support it vs RealTrax. However, your set should include a version of RR-Track layout design software that supports RealTrax and it is a very nice program. That's one reason I recommend waiting to buy more RealTrax until you've had a chance to work with it, etc. Committing to RealTrax can happen very quickly once you buy a few turnouts, the cost really adds up and then you're stuck.
While longer passenger cars will run on 042, I don't think you're going to like how it they look and you'll yearn for wider turns. There is a video in one of the threads here, might be Lionel's traveling layout, that has an elevated circle of passenger cars and they really look terrible going in a small circle. My Christmas set looks bad enough going around the 031 curves they are designed for, but it's bearable on the 6x8 oval for now. I'm torn between 042 and 054, and will probably opt for 054 if they fit. My thought is to go at least one size wider and preferably two depending on space. I'm new, so I'm no expert, but I've been listening to the experts here and watching all of the videos that have been posted for Christmas layouts, etc. There are some "tight" layouts where running is more important than engine/car overhang looks, so it's very much a personal preference. Try out the RR-Track software to see what will fit in your space. Search for MTH and RealTrax on YouTube to find a lot of videos. I started here by posting my plans for an ambitious table layout and I've all but forgotten that first attempt at design.
