Sil foam seal available at big box stores. Its exactly the same width as Fastrac. Some of it is a pale grey, others are blue. When laid under curves take a scissors and cut it from the outside and go in about 2/3rds so it can bend.
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
Seayakbill Per Charles Ro web site 30 inch Fastrack = $10.95 37 inch Gargraves = $5.95 It was mentioned that if you ballast the price is similar, pretty expensive ballast to make up the difference for 30 inches of ballast.
Per Charles Ro web site
30 inch Fastrack = $10.95
37 inch Gargraves = $5.95
It was mentioned that if you ballast the price is similar, pretty expensive ballast to make up the difference for 30 inches of ballast.
Lionel Fast Track and MTH Real Trax both look great with Plasticville Buildings.
If you want quiet, run a carpet central.
Of course, for things like carpet layouts or stuff that you're likely to change, using the ballast is a big PITA, something to consider. :)
Bill T.
To all, thanks for the info. regarding the tracks, turnouts, etc.
Ralph
i went with gargraves for price and realistic looks. ballast can be found on a cheap budget. i think ballested gargraves beats fastrack in realism hands down
RRaddict Chief and a few others in here had problems with MTH switches also some right out of the box brand new.
I've done some comparison and listing to others and when I finally get to start building my layout its going to be Gargraves. now switches I'm torn between going with Gargraves even thou have heard you need to have them flat not sure if thats still true that was a few years ago. or going with Ross which is more expensive but from what I understand is there about the best switches out there.
I've also have heard from many about the noise level with Lionel Fastrack and MTH Realtrack.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
I have been in the MTh and Fast Track camps and while the two mentioned tracks are convienent beccause they are already ballast I've had the best luck with tubular. It's substantially quieter without roadbed or any sort of padding at least it is on the foam board I'm using. The problem with MTH is that their switches in my opinion are garbage others here may disagree but I find the Lionel Fast Track and Tubualr switches are better quality. I chose MTH over fast because there weren't any type of pins but that was a big mistake. The other thing is remote switches bigger than 036 cost an arm and a leg and so do MTH switches. I found that MTH get easily pitted and I didn't run fast track long enough to find out unfortunately. I know nothing about Gargrave other than it looks nice and is priced reasonably. Tubular track is not much cheaper than the other two unless you go with 027 which sits lower. You are definitely in the right place to gather info if I had I would be a few hundred dollars richer. These guys kjnow what they are talking about.
Can't stop working on the railroad!
Train-O If, the sound is too excessive, what would be best to use to muffle the sound, cotton, foam, or thin ceiling tile? Ralph
If, the sound is too excessive, what would be best to use to muffle the sound, cotton, foam, or thin ceiling tile?
On a Christmas layout I have set up at the Redford Theater, we have a half inch of cotton batting stuff (not really sure what it is) under the track (fastrack). I was real worried that the track would be too loud for that installation, but that half inch of stuff underneath really seems to help a lot. Wasn't that loud at all, though it is in the auditorium of the theater which probably eats a lot of the sound.
The Command Control is built into the switch circuitry, I do not believe they sell addon kits or replacements. The only way to get CC on the old switches is to use the ASC or SC2.
I ran my trains on FasTrack and my friend commented on how realistic the trains sounded on FasTrck.
True the foam would be in the way but it would be easy to cut through to the connectors.
"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
Those new command control switches, can you upgrade the switches you already have or do you need to buy the new ones?
FasTrack works well for me for a variety of reasons: durability; already ballasted; non-derailing switches; and great electrical connectivity to name a few. If you search the forum for FasTrack you will find many threads (recent ones as well) where many pros and cons for FasTrack have been thoroughly discussed.
But I believe a big factor more folks might want to consider FasTrack now is the new Command Controlled switches. I haven't made that upgrade yet, but I believe that is going to simplify life when I do.
Joe
But those connectivity issues are so easily dealt with it's really not much of a concern.
lionroar88 Classic Tubular track (O27 or O31) has more of a 'fudge' factor due to the lack of rigid roadbed, but over time has connectivity issues. .
Classic Tubular track (O27 or O31) has more of a 'fudge' factor due to the lack of rigid roadbed, but over time has connectivity issues. .
SJ - the problem with spray in foam is you would lose the ability to access the connectors underneath. These come in handy for a number of applications.
It's not excessive. Just louder than the old tubular type track. My thought, and I haven't tried it would be spray foam. You can buy it in the small expansion size.
Seayakbill While you are researching the pros & cons of O Gauge track check out Gargraves track. Very realistic with wood ties and consideraly less expensive than Fastrack.
While you are researching the pros & cons of O Gauge track check out Gargraves track. Very realistic with wood ties and consideraly less expensive than Fastrack.
sir james I the biggest complaint is the hollow base make's it louder than the old track system.
the biggest complaint is the hollow base make's it louder than the old track system.
And price. I've used mine for the past 5 years with no problems.
You may not already know that 3-rail track is customarily identified by the exact diameter (not the radius) in inches of a track circle. For tubular track, this is the approximate diameter to the outer ends of the ties, while, for Fast Track it is the exact diameter to the center rails. O27 is also exact; but O31 is about 30 1/2 inches, which is why it is sometimes called O30.
Beware of confusing model numbers with track types. For example, 022 and 042 turnouts have the same curvature as and are meant for use with O31 track. The distinction between O (letter) and 0 (numeral) is not always observed.
Bob Nelson
All 3 rail trains will run on Fastrack. your only concern is some larger engines need wider curves than the standard 036, you can check what curve size you need on the engine box or written specs. Fastrack goes together and stays together very well, the biggest complaint is the hollow base make's it louder than the old track system.
I am new to model railroading. I am trying to collect as much information as I can, so I can start purchasing trains for use on track layouts. I am using "O' gauge trains on Lionel Fastrack and wanted to know what trains ( from different trains makers) can run on this track or what track do I need to purchase that is compatable for all makes.
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