Found a loop of fastrack with a black center rail ?

[njalb1]

Can anyone tell me when this was done (history of) and why the change ?

   Thanks,  Al

[Dave45681]

The early starter sets that included FasTrack had the black center rail.

 Rumor is Lionel switched because the black looked too out of place.  (it does not really "mix in" with the FT balast and ties as it can with black tie track such as Gargraves, Scaletrax, K-Line Supersnap, etc)

 

 

[njalb1]

Thanks Dave for the reply!   Al

[ADCX Rob]

Early edition.

The black rail was hideously obvious in the gray roadbed & brown ties, it was very soon realized that a silver/plated center rail almost disappeared by reflecting the gray roadbed & brown ties.

Rob 

[Papadiesel]

Crew,

I have run postwar engines with both on the same line. At a medium to slow speed you can hear and see the engine slow down when it is on the black track. This tells me that the blaco coating has a slightly higher resistance. This causes less current to get to the motor.

"MAKE A GOOD RR DAY!

[Roger Bielen]

The black center rail was original issue but negative feedback about appearance from the hobby resulted in the change to silver.