4'x8' FasTrack Layout & SCARM questions

Sorry, but I can't read any of the data in your posted pictures.  Perhaps you could upload your SCARM file and somebody might be able to confirm or deny your conclusions.

Chuck

With FasTrack and SCARM you can hit the "B" key and it will show the actual roadbed width, not just the rail width. Very handy for figuring out how much room you have around the edges. 

sorry if you can't see the pictures, attaching the picture and SCARM file now.

Love the B trick, Thanks @SeattleSUP!

Attaching what appears to be a FasTrack layout diagram which would fit nicely on the 4'x8' plywood, although it might be a little bit tight...

This site has a good plan:

http://www.henrykautz.org/Trai...ayouts/CloverStreet/

Hi Murnane,

From your original post, you are correct. It doesn't fit on a 4 x 8. Yes, the 036 switches include a 1/4 turn piece to add to the divergence of the switch.

Even in the Lionel 2014 Track and Power Catalog, many of the 4 x 8 layouts don't fit on a 4 x 8. The one you are discussing is on p.14.

The four 036 turns with a five in the middle leave a comfortable roadbed to edge. If you add a 1.75" piece you take the roadbed right to the edge. You need 031 in the center loop.

FastTrack is almost 3.5" wide, so in SCARM, I set my start point 3.5" in from the edge. That leaves about 5/8" 0r .625 edge clearance to roadbed edge.

Here's a double loop squeezed to the edge on a 4 x 8. I didn't use the four switch pieces, but they would replace one 036 curve if you did.

PS. Zoom on the layout plan and use the Snipping Tool in Win Vista or 7,8 to grab to screen view.