fast track swiches

[JAW]

hello

As I said before ,

I am back with trains from being in HO

This  Fast track track seems OK to me .

Is it all the hype that seems to be going around with it ?

I want to get some switches for the track that came with the two sets I just bought.

I would like to know if later on the Fast track switches can be up graded to remote control ?

Or just skip this track system and go with Ross or Gargraves ?

Thanks JW 

[rtraincollector]

I personally prefer Gargraves/ross gargraves track and Ross switches. there is plus and minus from what I have seen on the fastrack if there manual switches I don't think they can be upgraded to remote switches now if you have remote switches and you want to upgrade to command control with them you can by using a item called ( i think) s-4 which will run your switches via your hand held remote. 

Plus to fastrack your ballast is taken care of basically  but you need to do extra sound reduction because of the hollow underneath and plastic. its a good system just not for me and I don't really know a lot about it. also ( yes some do cut it) you have to buy all these little pieces if you do a strange type of layout other than maybe a oval with a siding or two 

Gargraves ( also the traditional O and O-27 ) you can cut to what length you want or need. 

Bottom line your choice how you go with it to me all switches are expensive. I just like the look of the gargraves/ross's switches they just look more real to me and more real looking type turn outs. 

[Plate Rail]

I'm not aware of a remote switch upgrade for manual types on any of the Lionel switch offerings.  The non-derailing and fixed voltage features could not easily be adapted to any of their manual switches.  Those two unique features are exclusive to Lionel remote switches and can, with a bit of trick wiring, help automate a layout while improving switch reliability.  There's something magical about letting the train itself throw switches and change course without having to lift a finger.

Bruce

[rtraincollector]

I use to do that thru wiring where if a train hit a certain switch it would make another throw in a direction I wanted it as the train got there. ( with the help on non-derailing type switches

[Plate Rail]

Yeah, the only limit to that type of hands free operation was the number of connected loops of track and your ability to wire it correctly.  I've never had a permanent tubular or fastrak layout to experiment with.

Bruce

[rtraincollector]

here is the piece I was talking about to control you remote switches with your hand held unit

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONEL-TMCC-TRAINMASTER-SC-1-SWITCH-ACCESSORY-CONTROLLER-6-12914-NIB-/380957333573?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item58b2d39845  

[BigAl 956]

There is no upgrade from manual to remote for FasTrack switches I am aware of.

I think the biggest drawback of FasTrack is the expense. Switches run close to $100 each! I use good old O tube track. It's cheap, reliable, easy to cut, and you don't need a second mortgage to buy the switches.