Hello i am planning on building my first layout. The size space that I have is 4x8 or possibly 5x8 max. I would like to use Lionel fastrack and would like to be able to run 2 trains at once, any track suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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My FastTrack layout is 5x8. This allows me to use maximum curves for my passenger cars. 4x8 makes things a bit tight. I have 2 loops (NOT joined). The inner loop has a siding. This has given me the entire center area for scenics. 2/3 is a city scene, 1/3 a carnival/rides area. Lots of action if you plan it right.
The extra width of 5' wide permits using O48 and O36 curves for a double loop.
4' wide would be O36 and O31, but it doesn't fit as nicely -
I think if you search the forum there are some threads on this size layout to give you some ideas - an internet search may help also
get some sidings or a couple of cross-overs to avoid the boredom of loop only running
Pictures would be appreciated!
Hi Casper, if you want to see a nice compilation of plans use the link below for ThorTrains.net specifically to their FasTrack 4x8 section. As Carl said you can also search here and get lots of ideas.
I built the table yesterday, I ended up making it 5x9. I like the idea of using o48 and o36.
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Hi Casper, well you will find lots of good choices for 5x9 too. Here is something I had drawn that uses a standard module system for O-48 & O-36 in the corners. It fits nicely into a 5x9.
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That was a miss type on my part, I ended up doing 5x8.
should I have more than one power hook up from my transformer to the track or is that not necessary on a layout this size?
Casper posted:should I have more than one power hook up from my transformer to the track or is that not necessary on a layout this size?
The trains would tell you that answer by hitting a slow spot - so, avoid the discovery and put at least two pair of feeder wires on each loop - perhaps 9 and 3 o'clock on the ends of the outer loop and at 12 and 6 o'clock on the inner loop.
This would be for constant voltage to operate command controlled engines
John H posted:
That track plan and variations of it, is one of the better plans I've seen, over the years. It offers a long run in a small space.
I had something very similar back in the '80s. I was able to cram alot of operating accessories into the 5' x 9' area. Sorry for the picture quality.
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My layout plan came from The Fastrack Book. With the two reversing loops it did make for a long run. They were O36 manual switches and changed direction each time on the reversing loops without operator assistance.
'Good decision to increase your layout to the 5 foot width. With Fastrack a 4X8 is too restrictive and many passenger cars and engines would have problems with the 36 inch curves.
My latest layout is 5'X10' and has a double loop using 36 inch and 48 inch curves. My priority was to have a large "city area" set in the late 1950s. I only had 5 feet of depth available and built the benchwork/table on casters so that it could be rolled away from the wall for building and access to the track and trains when finished.
I wish that I had a 6 foot depth available...
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i have an outer loop that is just a oval using 048 that is controlled with a cw80 transformer. The inner loop has some switches and is controlled by another cw80. I currently only have the power attached at one point of each track. I read that it is good to add power to the opposite side of the layout also. It also said it is good for your transformers to share a common ground, so would I only run one line to both outer rails of the loop or should I do one for each? Any information on this would help great, thank you all!
Are your two loops electrically connected, like with a crossover, or are they completely electrically independent of each other ?
I have two separate loops
Casper posted:i have an outer loop that is just a oval using 048 that is controlled with a cw80 transformer. The inner loop has some switches and is controlled by another cw80. I currently only have the power attached at one point of each track. I read that it is good to add power to the opposite side of the layout also. It also said it is good for your transformers to share a common ground, so would I only run one line to both outer rails of the loop or should I do one for each? Any information on this would help great, thank you all!
In your case, all is good as it is. The loops are separate, keep them that way. One feed is fine if the trains like it. Only add another if it is needed. Remember that the 8 driver Berk, like a Polar, will slow a little in curves (O36) from wheel bind and not power loss.
You could drop a second set of feeders if you are making the installation permanent, as in putting landscaping around the track and such.
On one of my cw80 transformers the bell button is stuck on, I am thinking about getting a new transformer. Any suggestions on what to get? I will be running an TMCC commodore Hudson and a Lionel chief plus engine. I want to have enough power.
Did the CW80 come with a set? If it did, call Lionel and tell them the button failed. Have the set # available. They may replace it for you.
Another CW80 or an MTH Z-1000 will handle your needs.
You could also power it with a PH-180 direct with 18 volts for a few more bucks. Do you need a controller?