balidas What I noticed one time was that the Real Trax sections were heavily soldered together.
What I noticed one time was that the Real Trax sections were heavily soldered together.
One of the hobby shops in the area has a layout made of various track systems. What I noticed one time was that the Real Trax sections were heavily soldered together.
FasTrack been fine for me. RealTrax looks better to me, but FasTrack is better for reliability.
RealTrax is fine if soldered together. I do long sections. Now their switches will give you problems. I have lots of RealTrax and will use it for my new layout due to the expense of replacing so much track and switches. When I started buying track to build a layout, Fastrack had nothing. If I were starting now, Fastrack.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
I find RealTrax to be very unreliable when used for anything but a permanent layout. I do agree that it looks a bit better than Fastrack, but if it's not going to work, looks aren't everything.
Thanks for your reply to my post on track. I agree I liked the appearance of RT over FT too but after using RT in repeated assembly the continuity was just not reliable. I also found that the metal tab that is tack welded to the bottom of the black oxide center rail can come loose. Guess I will have to invest more money and replace all the RT. I am just glad I had not reached the point of adding switches yet.
OOH Shoot, Time to Duck and Run
I have litterally hundreds of feet of RealTrax, and couldn't make selling it worthwhile, but the short answer is YES. Fast Track does have better section to section continuity, especially when put together/taken apart frquently
I went with RealTrax for floor running before I had much experience in 3R OGauge, I liked the look of it much better(still do) The solid (then) properly profiled rails and ballast color just looked better to me, The Fast Trak tie size and spacing might be more accurate, but again the RT ties, just LOOKED better to my eye.
I have since used both, and find the FT to be easier to put together/take apart and more reliable in section to section continuity, but I do prefer the RT lock-ons to the power connections that Lionel uses for FT, I have large fingers, but even with needle nose pliers, I find the FT connectors to be a pain where I sit.
With RT I visually check each connection for proper contact as I assemble it, and the "H" clips do help keep the track together, especially on carpet, but each is also a PITA. Each track system has it's advantages, but the Fast Trak is easier to use.
Doug
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
As an owner of 200 feet of RealTrax, my vote is for:
Lionel Fastrack
(My comparison is based upon putting together the Polar Express under the tree using Fastrack.)
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Yes!
Rob
I have been using MTH RealTrax in a carpet layout but have found electrical continuity to be problematic after repeated assembly and dis-assembly. The copper tabs on the bottom are easily deformed and must be reshaped to work properly, which is a pain. Even after doing this is find I have to check continuity with a VOM as each section is attached. Is Lionel FasTrack any better in this regard?
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