Did you listen in math class?  If the answer is yes, good! Because a little basic geometry comes in handy when working with FasTrack.  (If the answer was 'no', read this article twice and then take the 100-question test at the end of the article--just kidding.)

FasTrack is a rigid track system, and the track sections cannot be cut. Therefore, Lionel has designed a multitude of track pieces to meet almost any need. Knowing how the pieces interrelate is important to planning and building a FasTrack layout.

The key concept when working with FasTrack is knowing the angles--all of the curves and crossings except O48 curves work off of angles of 90, 45, 22.5, and 11.25 degrees. O48 uses 30-degree angles.

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Curves

         O36                               O48                                 O60       

              O72                               O84

Since nearly all layouts require the train to make a circle in order to form a continuous loop, it's important to look at the curved track sections first. 

There are five diameters of curvature in FasTrack. There a 3 foot diameter circle (O36), 4 foot (O48), 5 foot (O60), 6 foot (O72), and 7 foot (O84).  O36 is included with most starter sets.  Note that each curve diameter is one foot wider than the one before it.

Curved tracks are sold by the section:

O36--8 sections to a circle (Lionel #12015).  One section makes a 45-degree turn.  Each half section (#12022) make a 22.5 degree turn, and each quarter section (#12023) makes an 11.25 degree turn.

O48--12 sections to a circle (#12043). One section makes a 30 degree turn.

O60--16 sections to a circle (#12056).  One section makes a 22.5 degree turn.

O72--16 sections to a circle (#12041).  One section makes a 22.5 degree turn.  Each half section (#12055) make a 11.25 degree turn.

O84--32 sections to a circle (#12061).  One section makes a 11.25 degree turn.

Note that O36, O60, O72 and O84 track sections are made where multiples of 8 make a full circle, which makes it easy to make these circles symmetrical and work together on a layout.  This is because the curved sections are all made to where they are either 1/8 of a circle (45 degrees), 1/16 of a circle (22.5 degrees), or 1/32 of a circle (11.25 degrees).  However, O48 is made where it takes 12 sections to make a circle (30 degrees). This makes it a bit of a challenge to make O48 work in a layout using multiple curve diameters, because the angle of the curves does not match the other curve sections when making partial turns.

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Straights

             10" Straight                      5"                   4.5" 

       1 3/4"                     1 3/8       1 3/8" w/o roadbed

                                          30 Inch Straight

Straights are pretty easy.  The standard straight section is 10 inches long (#12014), and a half section is available as well (#12024). Most special track sections like block sections and accessory activation sections are also either 10 or 5 inches long, making it easy to substitute a regular straight section with one of these special track pieces. 

Lionel also makes a 30 inch straight (#12042), which helps when building large layouts and long straightaways. 

Three 'fitter' sizes are available--4 1/2 inch (#12025), 1 3/4 inch (#12026), and 1 3/8 inch (#12073 and #12074). The 1/2 inch between the 4.5 inch and the 5 inch section is important when working with crossing sections.

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Switches

 O36 Manual Switch    O36 Remote Switch   O60 Remote Switch      O72 Remote Switch

The traditional footprint of a switch track matches a straight and  a curved section laid atop one another.  This makes it easy to integrate them into layouts.  The O36 switch matches the footprint of one 10 inch straight and one O36 curve, and the wider diameter switches are usually the footprint of one of the matching curves, along with a 10" and a 5" straight hooked together.  All switches are available in both right and left hand turns.

On O36 switches, the last part of the curved section of the switch is a removable 1/4 curve (#12023).  The O60 and O72 switches include extra fitter sections with them.

O36 Switches come with both manual control (#12017 and #12018), where you flip the switch by hand, and remote control (#12045 and #12046), which includes a controller wired to the switch.  All other switches are available only with remote control.

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Crossings

 90 Degree Crossing             45 Degree Crossing                     22.5 Degree Crossing

The three crossings made in FasTrack are 90 degree (#12019), 45 degree (#12051), and 22.5 degree (#12050).  Note that the angles are multiples of one another (22.5 x2 = 45, and 45 x 2 = 90), and that they match the angles of most of the curves as well.

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Special Track Sections

There are several special track sections made for FasTrack which perform specific tasks.

Uncoupling tracks (#12020) include a magnet that will activate the Lionel couplers automatically.  An operating track section (#12054) also has the magnet, but it also includes special control rails that activate the Lionel operating cars with plastic slide shoes on the trucks [wheelsets].  The uncoupler track is 5" long, and the operating track section is 10" long. 

The terminal track section (#12016) is a 10" straight with wires to connect to the transformer. Starter sets all include a terminal track section.  The wires can be unhooked and reconnected to nearly all FasTrack straight and curved sections.

The block section (#12060) allows you to isolate power between sections of track. This is the track section you need to connect two loops operating off of separate transformers.  It is 5" long.

The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. It is 5" long. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other.   It does not work with O27.

The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories.  One of the outside rails is isolated, and when the wheels of the train bridge power into this isolated section, it turns the accessory on and off.  The activation section is 20" long when assembled.

Also available is a 10" extension piece for the accessory activation track(#12027).

Bumpers are used on the end of spur sidings to keep cars from rolling off and to give the track a nice, finished look. They are available both lighted (#12035) and unlighted (#12059), and are sold by the pair.  Lighted bumper sections are 5" long, and non-lighted ones are 3 5/8" long.

Grade Crossing Section        Highway Signal Set            Crossing Gate Set

Lastly, three crossing sections are also available from Lionel.  The grade crossing section (#12036) is 10" long and has a simulated road and crossing built into it. They are sold in pairs. The flashing highway signal (#12052) and crossing gate (#12062) sets are 20" long when fully assembled and take the place of two 10" straights on a layout.

All of these track sections can be purchased on our website here or at the bottom of this article.

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The FasTrack Book

Lionel 24200 FasTrack Book by Robert Schleicher

Fitting it all together--Examples of Layouts

Example #1

Click the Diagram to see a larger picture

This little layout, which we call the Double Loop RR, shows how to fit a crossing into a layout.  Take a look at the two parts of the layout outlined in red.  Note that the top leg of the loop, the one running horizontally across the top, includes 30" of straight track (the two 10" straights plus the straight leg of the switch, which is also 10 inches).  Along the parallel leg in the middle of the layout, we also have a 30" straight run, but this one consists of 5 sections of track.  Here we have one 10" straight, a 90 degree crossing, which measures 6 inches long, one 5 inch straight, and 2 of the 4.5 inch straights.  10 + 6 + 5 + 4.5 + 4.5= 30.

This illustrates the importance of the shorter straight sections like the 4 1/2 inch section.  Because the crossing is an odd length relative to all other sections, a special piece is needed to compensate to make the loop match up.

The vertical loop has the exact same arrangement of straight sections.

This plan requires:

Example #2

Click the Diagram to see a larger picture

This second layout, designed to go around a Christmas tree, illustrates the need for half curves to make a plan fit.  At first glance the plan appears to be a figure-8, but it is in fact two reverse loops folded over each other.  The top half of the circle is made of six O48 curves.  The two switches are O36, one right and one left.  The two crossings are 45 degrees. Note that because we are using 45 degree crossings in this plan, we needed to connect half sections of O36 curves between the switches and the crossing to line the track up properly (the curves are highlighted in red). 

Also, note that half curve sections were needed on the outside legs of each loop to close the gap between the turns at the bottom of the layout and the switches (also highlighted in red).  This had to be done because the curves at the bottom of the layout were wider than those at the top, so we had to include the S-turns to get everything to line up.  Studying this plan closely, you will also see that a couple short fitter pieces were used to close a couple small gaps. 

This plan requires:

Example #3

Click the Diagram to see a larger picture

This layout is an example of how to connect two different diameters of curves into one layout. It is a folded-over figure 8, and the inner loop is O48, and the outer loop is O60.  Note the use of several fitter pieces on the O48 loop (outlined in red) to achieve the desired distance between the back straightaways of both loops. Also notice that a pair of O36 1/2 curves (also outlined in red) were used around the 45 degree crossing at the bottom.  They were needed because if we tried to use two O48 curves in their place, the plan would not have lined up properly, because of the different angle of O48 curves (see the above section on curves).

When designing a plan, it is always best to start with the most complex part of the track plan first, and then work your way out. You will find that it is easier to make everything line up with you are finished if you follow this method.

This plan requires:

Example #4

Click the Diagram to see a larger picture

This layout illustrates the use of block sections to separate two loops of track and create a two-train layout.  The block sections, highlighted in red, separate the power between the two loops.  The rest of the layout is very straightforward, using regular O36 curves and 10" and 5" straights.  Two 1 3/4" straights are needed, one between the two switches on the inner loop and one on the opposite side of the loop to compensate for the first one.

This plan requires:

Example #5

Click the Diagram to see a larger picture

In this final plan, we see the full integtration of all FasTrack components--switches, crossings, short straights, full and half curves, all creating an interesting, fun to operate layout.  The layout shows that numerous complex arrangements can be formed with FasTrack.  The  1 3/4" fitter sections used are all highlighted in red.  The layout has a pair of reverse loops, a continuous loop, and two figure 8s.

Also note that despite this layout's apparent complexity, it only uses 3 pairs of switches. 

This plan requires:

 

The FasTrack Book

Lionel 24200 FasTrack Book by Robert Schleicher

For more information, see the Lionel FasTrack book by Robert Scheicher. It discusses more about wiring FasTrack and goes through building an entire layout from the ground up.

 

Make your own Designs!! R&S 40A-LNLFST FasTrack Layout Design Software DVD
 

The software programs used to make the layout plans shown above are all available at Trainz.com.  They are easy to learn and a lot of fun to use.  Note that the R&S software also includes 3-D views, with the ability to add scenery, buildings and accessories to the plans!

Index of Components

Below is the full line of Lionel FasTrack, which is all available at Trainz.com. If you click the Buy Now button, a new window will open on your screen, so you will not leave this article accidentally.

Curves

O36 Curve Section--#12015 One of the basic building blocks of FasTrack layouts, eight of these make a circle 3 feet in diameter.  Nearly all Lionel starter sets include a circle of O36 track. Price:  $3.69

1/2 O36 Curve Track Section--#12022

Two of these sections are the equivalent of one #12015 O36 Curve section, and 16 of these sections make a circle 3 feet in diameter.  1/2 sections are useful for making S-curves and are also used around crossing sections.

Price: $3.49    

1/4 O36 Curve Track Section--#12023 Four of these sections are the equivalent of one #12015 O36 Curve section, and 32 of these sections make a circle 3 feet in diameter. This track section is included with all O36 switches. Price: $3.49

O48 Curve Track Section--#12043 Twelve of these sections make a circle 4 feet in diameter (48 inches).  Price  $3.49

O60 Curve Track Section--#12056 Sixteen of these sections make a circle 5 feet in diameter (60 inches).  Great for making high-speed turns and for layouts with large locomotives and cars. Price: $5.49

O72 Curve Track Section--#12041 Sixteen of these sections make a circle 6 feet in diameter (72 inches, hence O72).  Great for making high-speed turns and for layouts with large locomotives and cars.  Price: $5.49

1/2 O72 Curve Track Section--#12055 Two of these sections are the equivalent of one #12041 O72 Curve section, and 32 of these sections make a circle 6 feet in diameter.  1/2 sections are useful for making S-curves and are also used around crossing sections. Price: $4.49

O84 Curve Track Section--#12061 Thirty-two of these sections make a circle 7 feet in diameter (84 inches).  This is the widest-diameter turn available in FasTrack. Price: $5.49

Straights

10 Inch Straight Section--#12014 This is the basic straight section used with FasTrack. Starter sets include a few of these. Price: $3.69

5" Straight Section--#12024 Two of these sections are the equivalent of one #12014 10" Straight section. Price: $3.49

30 Inch Straight Section--#12042 This section is the equivalent of three #12014 10" straight sections.  This track is perfect for use on long straightaways as it simplifies setup and cuts down on the number of track joints. Price: $11.49

4.5" Straight Section--#12025 Only 1/2" shorter than the 5" section, this piece is very important around switches and Figure-8s. Price: $3.49

1.75" Straight Section--#12026 The basic 'fitter' section for FasTrack, the 1.75" straight is used to fill in small gaps caused by the slight dimensional differences between straights, curves, crossings and switches. Price: $3.49

1 3/8"" Straight Section with Roadbed--#12073 Another 'fitter' section for FasTrack, the 1 3/8" straight is used to fill in small gaps caused by the slight dimensional differences between straights, curves, crossings and switches. Price: $3.49

1 3/8"" Straight Section without Roadbed--#12074 Identical to the #12073 but without the beveled roadbed sides, it is used to fill in small gaps caused by the slight dimensional differences between straights, curves, crossings and switches.  It is the same section included with the wide-turn switches and the #12050 crossing. Price: $3.49

Switches

O36 Left Hand Manual Switch--#12017

This switch has the same footprint as a 10" straight and one O36 curve track put together.  One 1/4 Curve section (#12023) is included to complete the curved part and can be removed.  This switch has a lever to manually actuate the switch from one track path to the other.

Price: $34.99  

O36 Right Hand Manual Switch--#12018

The 12018 has the opposite curve path of the 12017.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" straight and one O36 curve track put together.  One 1/4 Curve section (#12023) is included to complete the curved part and can be removed.  This switch has a lever to manually actuate the switch from one track path to the other.

Price: $34.99  

O36 Left Hand Remote Switch--#12045

This switch is electrically controlled with a controller that can be mounted next to your transformer.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" straight and one O36 curve track put together.  One 1/4 Curve section (#12023) is included to complete the curved part and can be removed.   

Price: $68.99  

O36 Right Hand Remote Switch--#12046

This switch has the opposite curve path of the #12045 left hand switch.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" straight and one O36 curve track put together.  One 1/4 Curve section (#12023) is included to complete the curved part and can be removed. 

Price: $68.99   

O48 Left Hand Remote Switch--#12065 This switch is electrically controlled with a controller that can be mounted next to your transformer.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 5" straight and one O48 curve track put together. Price: $79.99

O48 Right Hand Remote Switch--#12066 This switch has the opposite curve path of the #12065 left hand switch.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 5" straight and one O48 curve track put together. Price: $79.99

O60 Left Hand Remote Switch--#12057 This switch is electrically controlled with a controller that can be mounted next to your transformer.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 4.55" straight and one O60 curve track put together.  It includes optional 1 3/8" extension sections.   Price: $79.99

O60 Right Hand Remote Switch--#12058 This switch has the opposite curve path of the #12057 left hand switch.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 4.5" straight and one O60 curve track put together.  It includes optional 1 3/8" extension sections. Price: $79.99

O72 Left Hand Remote Switch--#12048 This switch is electrically controlled with a controller that can be mounted next to your transformer.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 5" straight and one O72 curve track put together.  It includes optional 1 3/8" extension sections.     Price: $79.99

O72 Right Hand Remote Switch--#12049 This switch has the opposite curve path of the #12048 left hand switch.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable.  This switch has the same footprint as a 10" plus a 5" straight and one O72 curve track put together.  It includes optional 1 3/8" extension sections.     Price: $79.99

O72 Wye Switch--#12047 A wye is a unique switch that has the footprint of two curved sections rather than the conventional layout of one straight and one curved path. It is used for a variety of special applications.   The angle of the curves of this switch are the same as that used on O72 curves, but the footprint of this switch does not exactly match that of two O72 curved sections.  It includes optional 1 3/8" extension sections.  It has Lionel's non-derailing feature, which automatically moves the switch position to the direction the train is running.  The controller is connected to the switch by a 6 foot cable. Price:  $74.99

Crossings

90-Degree Crossing--#12019 This is used to create Figure-8s and other interesting layouts where two tracks cross.  See the 12030 Figure-8 Track Pack for an example of a layout using a crossing section.   Price: $17.99

45-Degree Crossing--#12051 This crossing can be used for a variety of purposes including figure-8s and crossing arrangements. Both legs of the crossing are the equivalent of one 10" straight section. Price: $18.49

22.5-Degree Crossing--#12050 This is the largest Lionel crossing, with a total length of 17" down both legs. It is used for crossing arrangements on layouts with wide-radius curves.  It includes five removeable 1 3/8" extension sections..  Price: $35.49

Expansion Packs

Figure-8 Track Pack--#12030 This set expands the basic oval of track included with your set into a figure-8 pattern. It includes (4) O36 Curves (6-12015), (4) 5 inch Straights (6-12024) and (1) 90 Degree Crossover.  Figure-8s are neat as the create a junction in your track and provide more interest to a basic oval. Price:  $51.99

Inner Passing Loop Track Pack--#12028 This set expands the basic oval of track included with your set into a larger oval with a siding. This track pack includes (2) O-36 Curve tracks, (1) right hand switch with a quarter curve , (1) left hand switch with a quarter curve and it measures 39 1/2 inches x 70 1/2 inches when added to your existing oval.  Sidings are great as they provide an alternative route for the train to take, and the switches can be used in a variety of even more interesting plans. Price: $76.99

Outer Passing Loop Track Pack--#12031 This set expands the basic oval of track included with Lionel starter sets into a larger oval with a siding. It includes straight pieces and creates a larger loop than the 12028 expansion pack. This track pack includes (5) 10 inch straight track sections, (2) O-36 curved track sections, (1) right hand switch with 1/4 O36 curve and (1) left hand switch with 1/4 O36 curve.  This track pack is great for creating a storage siding for extra cars.  Besides the plan shown, the 12031 set in combination with the track in your set can create several interesting track arrangements. Price: $88.99

Spur Siding Track Pack--#12044 This set expands the basic oval of track included with Lionel starter sets into a larger oval with a spur siding complete with a bumper and automatic uncoupling section.  The uncoupling section can also be used to activate many Lionel operating freight cars.  The spur can be used either as storage for an extra car or two or a place to unload your operating cars. Price: $81.99

Uncoupling Tracks

Uncoupling Track Section--#12020 Lionel freight cars have couplers that can be opened using this track section.  The center magnet is activated by a remote control button included with the track.  Park the car's coupler over the magnet, press the button, and the cars uncouple!  This uncoupling track consists of two sections of track, one that has the uncoupling magnet, and the other is just s half track section. You can use it as it is to simply replace an existing section of 10 inche straight track, or you can split it into two pieces and use it however you would like. Each section is 5 inches long.  This is the same uncoupling section that is in the 12044 Spur Siding Expansion pack. Price:  $31.99

Operating Track Section--#12054 This is the universal uncoupling/operating track section that will activate just about any Lionel car.  The center magnet is activated by a remote control button included with the track.  Park the car's coupler over the magnet, press the button, and the cars uncouple. Also, the four control rails between the track rails activate Lionel operating cars with slide shoes (like the Lionel milk car) and also activate couplers on Lionel cars made in the late 1940s.  It is 10 inches long and takes the place of a regular 10" straight on a layout.  It includes a two-button controller to control the functions on the track. Price: $33.99

Terminal Section

Block Section

Block Section--#12060 This track piece is used to isolate one section of track from another. Use this piece to make interconnected loops that run off of two separate power supplies.  It includes jumper wires that can be connected underneath. It is 5 inches long. Price: $7.49

FasTrack to Traditional O Gauge Transition Section

Transition Section--#12040 The Transition Section lets you connect FasTrack to older O Gauge track.  One end has FasTrack connectors, and the other has three O Gauge track pins.  It does not connect to O27.  5" long. Price: $6.99

Accessory Activation Section

Accessory Activator Pack--#12029 This track is used to activate many Lionel trackside accessories, like the crossing gate and highway flashing signal. It consists of two 5" insulated track sections and one 10" insulated track section. They must be hooked together in sequence for it to operate properly, so this section takes the place of two 10" straights on a layout. Price: $10.99

Accessory Activator Extender--#12027 This track is used to extend the activation section of the #12029 Accessory Activator Pack. It is the same size as a regular 10" straight section. Price: $3.49

Bumpers

Earthen Bumper--#12059 (2 per pack) This track is used as a stop on a dead-end siding. Two per set.  Each bumper track section is 3 5/8" long. Price: $7.49

Crossing Sets

Lighted Bumper--#12036 (2 per pack) This track section takes the place of one regular 10" straight track section. It features a painted road and simulated wood crossing planking.  Two per set. Price: $10.99

Lionel 12062 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Gates, Flashers and Bell When a train approaches the gates lower, lights on the two signals flash alternatively and an electronic bell sounds, and the action stops once the train passes. The bell sounds can be deactivated with a switch hidden in the track.  When assembled the accessory is the same length as two sections of standard FasTrack 10" straight sections like the ones included in your set.  The roadway section is 6 1/4 inches wide. Price: $127.99

Accessory Wire Set--#12053 This pair of wires has spade clips on one end which can be hooked into the bottom of nearly all regular FasTrack straight and curved sections.  They are useful for providing a jumper connection to the far side of your track setup or for providing track power to accessories like lighted stations or streetlamps.  Price:  $4.49

Graduated Trestle Set--#12037 This set includes enough trestles to make a complete over-and-under setup on your layout.  It features metal clips that attach to the FasTrack roadbed on your track. Only consider buying trestles if you plan to permanently mount them to a layout. Price: $61.99

Elevated Trestle Set--#12038 This set includes enough 10 full-height trestles to extend a graduated trestle set, or to make a separate elevated line.  It features metal clips that attach to the FasTrack roadbed on your track. Only consider buying trestles if you plan to permanently mount them to a layout. Price: $32.99

Railer--#12039 This is used to quickly set cars onto track.  Just set the notched end on your track and roll the cars down the railer.  Price: $6.99

Lionel 24200 FasTrack Book by Robert Schleicher

All you ever wanted to know about FasTrack is in this book.  This helpful guide explains how to use the Lionel FasTrack track system with more than 100 color photos and diagrams that show how to plan and create layouts for both large and small spaces. Dozens of track plans also show a variety of ways to integrate scenery and Lionel operating accessories to create a realistic layout. From small tabletop layouts, to large floor plans, there are many track ideas for you to explore, including double-track layouts for two trains, layouts to allow reversing trains, and any number of do-it-yourself designs.

MSRP:  $34.99

Price: $29.99 

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