I have created an L shape layout with fastrack. Each table is 4x8 i had to create a cap between the 2 tables to make the track fit, it was a bit of a pain. However i have a gap between the 2 tables about 5 inches apart. Is it ok to leave it or will the weight of the train snap the track? If so what can i put between there or under the track to make it level, ive tryed so many diffrent things. Is there any tips?
if you’re up to a little cutting, take some spare foam/plywood/whatever thats long enough to span the gap (with a little extra, 6-7" would do fine), an wide enough to support the ROW.
Take the last .5"-1" of the spans and cut them into a backwards triangle shape. cut a triangular hole into the edges of the tables, so that the pieces will fit in. they should hold fine without glue but you can add it for a stronger bond.
I’ll put pics up as soon as I make them
how about an Atlas girder bridge?
Simply cut that 5" out of the lengths of the track spans to bring the two tables together if you never intended to have a gap.
You can probably get away with a span that long without damaging the track but unless you give it a scenic treatment, it will look very unrealistic. I would take advantage of it by putting some kind of water feature in the gap and span it with either a bridge or a fill with a culvert running under it. Either a stream or canal might be appropriate depening on the setting. Laying track with nothing under the ties is toylike since that would never happen in the prototype world. I have seen pier sets with nothing supporting the track in between the piers and the trains will operate fine over these 9 inch spans of sectional track but they look down right silly.
Why not add a five-inch “wing” onto the far end of the L? (Think drop-leaf table.) Then you can shove the two tables together.
Lynda
Use some bridges under the tracks and hang some screening in the gap, plaster it in and make a river feature out of it.(or gully)