Iv'e read a lot about attempts to silence FasTrack noise and I have yet to confirm anything is really effective.
I built a layout with OSB lumber covered with Homasote-like fibreboard with Astroturf carpet on top. I used only and handful of screws to secure the track and they did not extend into the OSB. I ran my Fastrack side by side with tubular O31 trackand could compare. Fastrack was unacceptably noisy. I had to give up on it and I ripped it all out and put in tubular O .
As for the budget, that 15' FT test line cost $65. I replaced it with less than $10 worth of tubular O. Fortunately I was able to sell off the FT on ebay and almost broke even.
For my 027 track I just bought some new track ties from 3R Plastics via Amazon.com $64.24 for 250 ties with shipping.
Lee Fritz
Lee, I looked at those but they are kind of pricy if you need as many as I would. 250 won't go far.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
After reading all of your posts and considering the budget, we have mutually (the "boss" and I) decided to stay with the tubular track.
The current intent is to keep the present footpaths but do some improvements (after the holidays) such as replacing the contactors for the crossing gates and signals with insulated track sections. We have several of these on one of the lines and they are working quite well. Advantage is that there is no need to adjust the tensions on the contactors and the gates remain down until the train completes its pass.
Also, I'm considering the "detailing" option which will lend to realism but overall retain the 'Classic Toy Train' look.
Will keep updating.
Again, many thanks for your input and have a great holiday season.
Nothing wrong with your choice, it has been used for over a 100 years. Dress it up with some fake ties and it will look good.
S.J.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
rejoining to conversation if I may...
For my planned seasonal floor layout:
FastTrack seems too explesive, noisy, and difficult to freelance;
So I'm back to tubular, but I still think I should place the track on something other than right on the floor, to keep it in place. Yet I want it low, to minimize tripping over it.
I'm thinking of cutting homasote type board into 'roadbed' wide strips, and attaching the track with screws, perhaps also using Lionel's track clips. How does one cut Homosote type board? does it tend to fray or crumble at the edges? Will wood screws hold in homasote (actually Lowes green board)?
Thanks for any help.
A lot of folks now are using thick insulation foam, which I wish I'd thought of before I built my tree layound on a 3/4" thick plywood panel. That thing's getting heavier and heavier as I get older. Can't figure out why.
I believe the foam panels come in 4x8 sizes just like plywood panels do and they're supposed to be easy to cut with no mess. I'll have to try it one day.
I really like the old style track. The only fast track I have is what came with my Polar Express. On my S scale layout I used black foamboard like the craft panels for the ties. Here is a picture. For realism, you can remove that pesky center rail
Jim
Each track system has a downside. I like fastrack for the Christmas layout since it is versatile and now comes in all the most popular sizes. A little noisy but that does not bother me or the kids running the trains. I have to say that connectivity has never been a problem and I got started with this track with the 2004 Polar Express set.
Any track system is expensive. Lots of factors go into selecting the right one for you, so it’s important to get as much information as possible to help make the right selection. User reviews found here are very helpful. Another good source of information is the CTT Special Issue “Small & Midsize Track Plans for O Gauge Trains” issued in 2011.
It includes a 6-page track buyer’s guide section that covers all the major track systems. It also has a track cost comparison for a simple layout. Note this is based on prices in 2011.
Considering the cost of any track system, this is a cheap investment to help your track system selection.
Papa D
Runtime2:
I've been a "homasote" fan for years. (It's getting harder to find at a reasonable price)
Any handsaw will do but it is very messy, especially if you have to make numerous cuts. The board holds nails and screws well.
Suggestion:
If you do decide on it, give it a coat of paint first. It seals this paper product.
Side note:
A few years ago, one of our projects did require many cuts. When we went to the lumber yard and purchased a board, we showed them a list of the nine major cuts we had to make. "No Problem", the guy said. He made the cuts, packed the pieces in our car and wished us well. (free)
All the best.
Not to hi jack the orginial thread, but while we are on the subject of dressing up tubular with cross ties ... what have you guys done in that regard that works well?
Thanks
In the picture above shows the cross ties I made out of 1/4" thick foamboard. I had it leftover from making the roads. A little white glue on the ballast is all I had to do. I was sastified with the look.
While homasote can deaden noise with Fastrack it is very difficult to find in southeast Florida.
Like I mentioned before; I grew up with tubular track and I am staying with tubular track as it is more versitile then plastic roadbed track.
Hi, what is "quarter inch foam board? Is it naturally black? And where is it sold?
Thanks KRM,
I have never seen a product quite like that at my local stores (Lowe's, Home Depot).
Traindaddy, I don't think it's been mentioned yet, but have you looked at Menard's track since you are staying with traditional tubular track? They have wide selection of different radiuses and the price point is very good. Even though most of the stores are in the Mid-West, you can order online. For my two cents, I like Super O track for the postwar nostalga theme. I still have a 4' x 6' layout with ballast that I still use from time to time. Any of the typical documented problems with that track have been a non-issue for me. My main track is Atlas O.
sir james I If fastrack is snapped together properly you can pick up the entire oval and carry it across the room. It does stay together. Loud yes.
If fastrack is snapped together properly you can pick up the entire oval and carry it across the room. It does stay together. Loud yes.
Try that with a fastrack oval from a 2016 starter set. If you can pick it up more than two or three times without it coming apart I'll be surprised. Newbies be warned.
The only fastrack I have that stays together when you try that stunt is the oval from the P.E. set I bought on closeout in March '08, probably manuactured in 2007 or earlier. The various starter sets I've gotten since then, the FT does not hang together nearly as well.
Anyways, I rushed out and bought some tube track immediately after I set up that P.E. set and heard the incredible din of the LOUDTrack, and it's been tube track for me ever since. For the price of a single remote fastrack switch I got a half-dozen O22/5132/5133 type that, after a little TLC, have been working perfectly for five+ years. And I like the "classic" look of the tubular track as well.
Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
Menards has Fibreboard for about $7 (on sale) a 4x8 sheet. It's not called Homasote but has the same construction and consistency.
http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/panel-products/construction-panels/fiberboard-panels/1-2-x-4-x-8-sound-board-fiberboard/p-1444435987610.htm
I'll chime in on this one. The fiberboard or soundboard at Menard's (or any big box store) is NOTHING like Homasote. It is half the density, uses corn starch for glue instead of wax and is made of sawdust not recycled paper. It is Homasote only if it says Homasote. That is a registered name and there is nothing else made like it. If you don't like Homasote, fine, but please make sure you are talking about the real stuff when you post.
Steve Cox
Cascade Rail Supply
ROBMCC: Thanks for your suggestion.
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