I recently received the Lionel “Great Train Robbery” with a 40in x 60in Fastrak Oval. Is Fastrak compatible with engines that run on the old Lionel O-31 track? The first thing I noticed is that the tubular rails in the old O-31 track are physically higher than the rails on Fastrak. There could be the possibility that the flange on the wheels of the engine could bottom when running on the fastrak. Is the 40 in radius adequate to operate these old trains?
Most old trains are made for 031 operation. The tubulair rail is high because of manufacturing reasons, not for operation. My guess is that it probably will addapt any old 0 gauge train without any problems (and it looks better too then tubular!)
The concern is not so much the rail height as the radius of the curve. O31 is a 31" nominal diamiter curve and Fastrak is 36" diam., If anything a longer engine, and cars, would look better on a larger radius.
To more directly answer, Yes, it will work fine. The only thing that may not work is equipment requiring 042 or larger diameter track.
The radius to the center rail is about 14 1/8 inches for O31 and exactly 18 inches for fastrack.
Can anyone tell me a good reliable palce to order the newer K-Line switches that have the low profile housing?