@vc posted:Hi, I have an Allegheny set from around 1972 and I'd like to switch over (no pun intended
to fast track. Is this straightforward? Yes Specifically:
- it came with a 4150 transformer; can this be hooked up to fast track? Yes, there are spade terminal connections under most FasTrack sections.
- it has a separate horn button, can this be hooked up? Yes
- also came with a section of track with an electromagnet in the middle for decoupling cars. I assume I can't use this with fast track (there is FasTrack transition track that mates with tubular on one end 6-12040) but do they make a fast track segment with this? Do the cars still have the same decoupling mechanism they had in the '70s? There are two options for FasTrack uncoupling, see below. They will both uncouple cars designed for magnetic uncoupling. The uncoupling electromagnet works similarly among most (if not all) types of O-gauge uncoupling track.
The locomotive and cars are in great shape, it's just that the only place we have to set up the track is on carpet, and it doesn't stay very well connected. FasTrack may or may not work better on Carpet in the long run, especially if repeatedly set-up and put away. It depends on X, Y and Z (see below).
@CarlJ Good suggestion on the tubular track. Also others have mentioned using zip ties to hold tubular track together on carpet.
VC, please see my comments above in the quote box for FasTrack.
Transition Track Piece:
http://www.lionel.com/products...ition-piece-6-12040/
Uncoupler:
http://www.lionel.com/products...pling-track-6-12020/
Operating Track:
http://www.lionel.com/products...ating-track-6-12054/
X = the manufacturing quality control of the FasTrack you receive
Y = How careful you are when assembling and disassembling the track so as not to bend the connecting pins or the rail ends where they fit. I takes a bit of strength and control to do this.
Z = If it gets stepped on.
