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Anything wrong with Fasttrack?

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  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
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Posted by cheapclassics on Monday, November 15, 2004 11:26 AM
So far, I am really thrilled with Fasttrack. After years of O-27, this is a dream. Not having room for a permanent layout in the heated portion of the house, I can have an oval of track with a siding leaning up against the wall and then lay it on the floor when I want to run some trains. I do not notice the noise too much on carpet, and the electrical consistency is very nice. The engines do not "pick" the points of a switch, even coming off a curve. The only downside I can see for a large layout is the inability to make "fitter" sections of track. Perhaps there will be more of the smaller sizes available later.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana
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    August 2003
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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, November 15, 2004 11:15 AM
Thanks, Elliot, didn't even consider the price issue. I'll let him know.
  • Member since
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  • From: St Paul, MN
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Posted by Big_Boy_4005 on Monday, November 15, 2004 11:09 AM
That's a start Dave.

There is the noise problem, which many people have complained about.

The center rail insulating problem, which can, with a lot more effort, be overcome.

The accessory compatability problem, which calls for creative solutions, and roadbed chopping.

And last but not least, the pricing problem. Lionel's margin on this product is bordering on the obscene, and for the same money a person could get a lot more track going with Gargraves or tubular.
  • Member since
    August 2003
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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, November 15, 2004 11:08 AM
Thanks, guys. I relayed the info on.

Seems I read somewhere about someone quieting his tubes by putting a substance inside the tubes. Can't recall all the details.
  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 15, 2004 10:47 AM
The major problem with Fastrack is the noise. It's very noisy even if you use carpet, styrofoam, or homosote as a base. There is also a problem with isolating blocks. I might consider it if Lionel corrects those problems.
  • Member since
    August 2003
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Anything wrong with Fasttrack?
Posted by FJ and G on Monday, November 15, 2004 10:33 AM
A close friend of mine has decided to go Fasttrack. He likes the 36 diameter track and the look. He's NOT concerned about the non-prototypical appearance. He asked me if there were any disadvantaged.

I said that most who use it really enjoy it and that the only 2 things I can even think of are:

1. Lack of availability (for now) of some of the turnouts such as Atlas or Gargraves uses

2. Lack of flexibility reported by one operator (to climb steep, short grades) and of course, no flextrack.

On the plus side I told him that durability, reliability and ease of connection are big pluses.

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