FasTrack is too loud. Any cure?

[gvdobler]

I know this has been covered, but I wondered if any new ideas have come up.

I have about 45 feet of Fastrack for a floor layout and it is very loud.  The layoout is set up on a thick rug that should do about as good as anything to absorb sound.  I can't imagine it on a hard floor.  It seems way too noisy for a permenant layout.

Vibration being the source of noise, I wondered if anyone has experimented with filling it with the house insulation out of a can that sets up hard.  Just using screws to secure it to a board does not solve the megaphone effect of the plastic.  I even thought about having a friend mill something like wood chair-rail that fit inside and then secure the slanted sides to that every 3-4 inches.

I know some some people don't mind the sound but it is way too loud for me. 

I like the smooth running and the look, but compared to tubular the noise is a huge drawback.

[Roger Bielen]

Fill the hollow with lead.

[Jumijo]

Ordinary cotton has proved to be the best way to lessen the noise. Simply take 2 drug store variety cotton balls and stuff one in each ear. The difference in what you hear will amaze you!

[Frank53]

I apologize in advance, however, I couldn't resist:

 

Lionel FasTrack has turned into the toy train operators track for the 21st century. It lends itself to temporary as well as permanent layouts. It's operating characteristics make it user friendly and it is offered in many new Lionel train sets and offered at most hobby shops. Hence, it is readily available.

Come along and share your experiences with this NEW track system. Our group is interested in your experiences, ideas, thoughts along with layout photo's and diagrams and other information that you would like to share. What have been your experiences with FasTrack? Are there areas for improvement? What are it's best characteristics? Could this be the NEW alternative for tubular track?

Lionel_FasTrack_System Yahoo Group
( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lionel_FasTrack_System/ )

 

[Jumijo]

A little known Fastrack accessory is the volume control track. It's a 10" long straight section with a volume control dial to increase or decrease the track sound to one's liking. It retails for $19.95.

[phillyreading]

Have you tried cork roadbed underneath the Fastrac sections?  Or maybe you can stuff cotton underneath to absorb the sound. 

Sometimes some of us live in apartment buildings and need to reduce the noise factor, I used to live in a duplex house so I had to consider the noise factor also.

Lee F.

[phillyreading]

A little known Fastrack accessory is the volume control track. It's a 10" long straight section with a volume control dial to increase or decrease the track sound to one's liking. It retails for $19.95.

Can you list the parts number so people can order this from thier retailer!!

Lee F.

[Jumijo]

A little known Fastrack accessory is the volume control track. It's a 10" long straight section with a volume control dial to increase or decrease the track sound to one's liking. It retails for $19.95.

Can you list the parts number so people can order this from thier retailer!!

Lee F.

Yes, of course. 6-OU812

[dougdagrump]

Welcome to Comedy Central........

[Jumijo]

Doug,
Are you a grump today?

[Anonymous]

Hello,

 

This is what I use and it's been working great. Overall, you'll still have some noise and that also depends on how you run trains. Either way fast or slow This could be the answer for you as it was for me. Running conventional trains at fast speeds there still will be some noise but it will be reduced a lot. If you run slow prototypical speeds you'll love the noise reduction. This is assuming you'll be affixing the track to somewhat of a board.

All you need is some thick, dense carpet padding.  (found everywhere) Cut the padding to the size of the track leaving about a half inch protruding from both sides of the track. (not the ends but the sides)You can either trim the excess or use a thin putty knife to push the rest under the track.

Now, if your track is on a board you may have some drumming issues that would happen with any track. I've been using this method for fastrak since it came out,  it works great for me. It doesn't eliminate the noise entirely just reduces it by a bunch!  In my opinion I like some track noise! Ever hear a train go by without hearing track noise?

As for the insulation in a can,  great for scenery!.........a real mess for track.....I advise against it.

[EIS2]

I think one of the reasons that FasTrack gained the reputation for noise was because it was packaged with Lione's starter sets which are generally lower quality trains.  I had the same impression that it was very noisy when I first set up my Polar Express set.  However, when I put the Polar Express on my permanent layout that had K-Line ShadowRail tubular track, the noise was just as loud.

I have since replaced all of the track on my permanent layout with FasTrack which I like very well.  If you run trains slower with either Odyssey or PS2, there is hardly any track noise at all.

Earl

[dougdagrump]

Doug,
Are you a grump today?

Jim, I'm never a "GRUMP", and if someone told you I was tell me who and I'll KICK THEIR BUTT !!!!!

     

 

[Blueberryhill RR]

Doug,
Are you a grump today?

Jim, I'm never a "GRUMP", and if someone told I was let me know who and I'll KICK THEIR BUTT !!!!!

     

 

Chief did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

When I was using FasTrack on my layout (I'm currently using Atlas), I had it mounted on marine deck carpeting, which at that time covered the whole layout and now is being used on my Standard Gauge pike.

I didn't find the FasTrack to be all that noisy compared to other brands and types of O gauge track, and I've used 'em all at one time or another.  Kind of depends on what you're running on it, to some extent, and also depends on what you, as an individual, consider "noisy."

My personal feeling is that far too much has been made of the "noise factor" of FasTrack.  I haven't found that any of the O gauge track systems are anywhere near as quiet as, for example, my LGB or Marklin Large Scale, but in large part that's because those locomotives don't make near as much noise as most O gauge models (even without sound systems).

On my current Atlas-track layout in O gauge, I'm using cork under the track.  Certainly works well enough for me.  Since the layout is in the living room, I like to be able to run trains and still easily hear the TV or music without cranking up the sound.  The sound of the trains running also doesn't seem to disturb my dog when she's napping, so I guess it's not overly annoying.

[RR Redneck]

Thin pieces of foam have always done the trick for me. Slip it under the track, and it will do wonders.

[chuck]

Try shelf liner.  The stuff that seems to work pretty well is "Solid Grip Liner" by Kittrich.  Comes in rolls, 18" wide by 4 feet long.

[ChiefEagles]

Doug,
Are you a grump today?

Jim, I'm never a "GRUMP", and if someone told I was let me know who and I'll KICK THEIR BUTT !!!!!

     

 

Chief did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He knows better.  You know we have met and enjoyed our visit.  In fact, I have always called him Dougsnotagrump.  Goes to show you, another Yankee fib.    Doug, goes to prove what I've always said about those Yanks.  Can't believe a thing they say.

Two happy guys.

[riverrailfan]

I have experimented for a few weeks to deaden the sound of fastrack on my layout and this is what I found to work the best.

 

 

I found on a permanant layout that carpet padding works the best. I took long sections of track and traced the outline with a marker and then cut it with a heavy duty Fiskars scissors at a angle along the cut line. I then spray painted the edges brown(which is a little to dark).

 

 

The pink foam board helps but thats only to isolate from the plywood. I think homosote would be better. Scewing the track down on the foam board only makes it worse, even with a few screws. The pading seems to absorb the sound along with sealing the bottom of the track to not allow the sound to escape. I've run fastrack on carpeting and it's queiter but to me carpet still lets the sound to escape from under the track. I also used 2 layers of snow blanket on my xmas layout and it helps I've tested carpet padding on my layout with some of the track on the foam board and some on the carpet padding and the difference is night and day. 50 to 65 percent reduction of noise.

It also depends on the type of locos and cars you run on fast track.The heavier the better. Diecast steamers are quieter than light weight diesels from starter sets. A heavy MTH diesel is quieter. light weight box cars are louder on fastrack as well as the more cars you use the louder it is. The faster you run your trains also makes the track louder. When I had my xmas layout last year, the O27 track was loud with 10 cars on it.

The construction of the room you use fastrack in makes a difference. Fastrack is louder in my living room on carpet with plaster walls than in my basement on carpeting with paneling and dropped ceiling. If you really think fastrack can be loud. Build a shelf layout with Ogauge track in a 11x11 room. Laying the track on the shelf will drive you out of the room in 1 minute. I used carpet with a foam backing to quiet that.

If you really want to try someting. Layout a simple oval of fastrack and use pencils to raise half the track off the floor and leave the other half on the floor and run a engine. Having the track off the ground chages the pitch. Close to the sound of ogauge track. I did this on my layout just to see how much was transmitted to the foam board and it was almost tolerable.

[Joe Hohmann]

Ordinary cotton has proved to be the best way to lessen the noise. Simply take 2 drug store variety cotton balls and stuff one in each ear. The difference in what you hear will amaze you!

This IS the least expensive cure, although the "volume control" section works well. I would also recommend the CW80 transformer add-on with the "works/doesn't work" switch (6-88075, $12.99). Normally, I try to avoid FasTrack and CW80 forum topics for fear of loosing my mind. Joe

[brianel027]

I think there are two big reason for all the discussion about the noise level of FasTrack. One reason has been discussed before and that is the onboard sound systems. There once was a time where simply the noise made by the trains on the track, along with a simple air whistle or bicycle buzzer for a horn was more that enough realism. Now it's not.

The other reason, not mentioned nearly as much, is that more folks are putting layouts in other rooms other than basements. Again, at one time I think nearly anyone's train layout was in the basement. Homes have changed and people's lives have changed. More folks live today in condo type apartment housing, duplexes, apartment complexes, etc. Layouts are not necessarily in the basement any more. When one considers other household members or downstairs neighbors, noise levels become much much more of a factor.

Now I haven't talked with Dick Maddox personally, but since he was the former head at Bachmann (who made E-Z track for HO and made HO under-the-tree on carpet layouts possible), it is more than reasonable to conclude that FasTrack was intented for all practical purposes to be the new modern equivalent to tubular 027 track.

That FasTrack has become so popular with other more seasoned modelers I don't suspect was necessarily foreseen by Lionel. Especially since Gargraves was already well established and Atlas had introduced the highly acclaimed and well received Atlas 0 Track. Does anyone really believe that Lionel expected to have a go with these other track types. I think not. FasTrack was intended for the starter set and beginning modeler.

I fail to see how the supposed "cheap" Lionel starter sets like the Polar Express are all that radically different from other trains as far as noise level goes. I dare say that a premiere quality scale solid die-cast bodied car with steel trucks will make more noise rolling on a layout than a current Lionel starter car with a plastic body and trucks. Most of us today (including those who are so into the expensive more scale trains) wouldn't be in this hobby AT ALL were it not for a supposedly cheaper Lionel set given to them at one time.

Nor does the idea of the customer having to spend hundreds upon hundreds of extra dollars to buy DCS with PS2 loocs or TMCC with Odyssey locos a practical or even logical solution to the noise factor. It certainly doesn't help grow the hobby. And remember no affordable train set under $300 comes with a complete TMCC or DCS set up.  Both those systems can easily run that cost in additional to the initial train set cost. Again adding more weight to my feelings that FasTrack was developed for the beginner buying his or her first starter set.

I can run my simplistic trains on 027 track with normal DC can motors, and by simply using the age-old time tested method of running the trains slower by turning down the amount of voltage going to  the track via my hand on the transformer level, I too can have far less noise - and for a mere fraction of the cost.

But kids don't like to run trains slow. They don't today and not yesterday either when WE ourselves were the kids. FasTrack was developed with the beginning hobbiest in mind, and as such, should be improved and aimed at them. IF Lionel were to lose the sales from the little non-scale guys like me, Lionel would go out of business right away. If K-Line hadn't had the sales from guys like me, they never would have even gotten started. Truth be told, these more traditional non-command non-scale modelers are the true bulk of the market, even though they certainly do not spend gobs of money on control systems or single locomotives (and sometimes entire fleets of those expensive locomotives).

Going back to the comment of "cheap" Lionel sets, I think the current overall quality of Lionel starter sets today is as high as it has been in many years, outside of the problems with the CW transformer. Jerry Calabreese fully understands that inorder to have the customers tomorrow like Earl who use FasTrack with Odyssey and PS2, he MUST appeal to customers today who are just beginning and are buying lesser expensive types of trains. I think FasTrack was fully intended to be part of the direction. The scale guys need to accept and live with that equasion. Lionel could not survive without the sales of starter train sets and starter set types of items. For Lionel to succeed in the future, more effort needs to be put into these kinds of products, not negating the higher end products that also have appeal and loyal customers.

I can't imagine taking the time to stuff insulation under FasTrack, especially since part of the concept behind FasTrack was for  FLOOR layouts that could be assembled and disassembled easily and for the beginners first layout. Using 027 tubular track on foam insulation board attains the same result and at a fraction of the cost and effort.

The noise level of FasTrack is obviosuly a matter of personal taste and what one considers noisey. But if you live in condo housing or an apartment complex, what is acceptable noise level to you, might be completely unacceptable to the neighbors.

[jimhaleyscomet]

gvdobler

Lot's of good suggestions above (and quite a bit of ribbing!).  I have a friend that mounts his track to plywood cut exactly to the shape of the track.  Perhaps you would want to try the carpet pad mounted to homosite and cut to match track size?  Just an idea. 

Let us know what you try and what works for you.

Jim H

[ChiefEagles]

A little known Fastrack accessory is the volume control track. It's a 10" long straight section with a volume control dial to increase or decrease the track sound to one's liking. It retails for $19.95.

Can you list the parts number so people can order this from thier retailer!!

Lee F.

Yes, of course. 6-OU812

jaabat,

Very good Comedy Stunt!  Now what do you do for an encore?

Either tell me or I am sending Bob & Tom from Gater98.7 to you!

Lee F.

He wasn't serious?

[brianel027]

Okay, you guys want some comedy.... though this won't be view as funny by some, so please lock and bolt your doors and put the children in a basement away from windows.

Me and a friend tried this, and it truly does work and is probably the cheapest, least time consuming and simpliest - but least desirable way to quiet the overall noise level from FasTrack.... drumroll please

Replace your metal wheel sets with MPC-era plastic wheel sets.

Really kids, bellieve me, this absolutely works and it works better than any other solution I have read about. And you thought that the MPC plastic wheel sets were a sign of cost cutting cheapness... now you find out they are an innovative way to the future of FasTrack noise levels! Amazing!

On cars with spung steel trucks, this is a bit of a pain. On plastic trucks, it is a snap. On postwar stample assembly trucks, you can still use the metal wheels, but insteady make your own axles out of two pieces of Plastruct Sytrene Plastic. One piece is small enough to let the wheels go through (as with the previous metal axle) The other piece goes over the other "axle" and is cut to serve as a "gauge" to keep the wheels at proper distance from eachother.

You can also drill out the staple rivet that holds the truck to the car frame and replace it with a nylon screw and a stop clip. On cars, like box cars with sheel metal frames, you will also want to drill out the original metal rivet and replace that also with a nylon screw and snap clip.

Of course, your illuminated cars may not work so well now. Neither will your operating cars. And if you use insultated rails to trigger accessories, those will now be useless too. But think of all the money you will save not buying illuminated/operating cars. Why you can even use a smaller lower wattage transformer now too.

Gee, can't wait to see those short plastic MPC 9 inch cars now quadruple in value due to serious scale operators grabbing up all those plastic wheel sets! Yahoo! I'm gonna make a huge killing!!!! I'm in the money... I'm in the money.......

Hey, I didn't say anyone would like this idea. But like it or not, it really works. Plastic wheels on your rolling stock along with nylon screws holding the trucks where possible will unquestionably reduce the noise level of FasTrack very dramatically.

I can hardly wait for Lionel to make the announcement they're switching to plastic wheel sets on all cars. The resulting bloodbath from angry customers will save Wellspring the trouble of having to fire everyone again when the final lawsuit results are soon announced.

[Anonymous]

That may be one solution, Brian, but it's not something I would ever want to do (or even attempt, in some cases).  I'm a firm advocate of metal wheels on all of my trains, ranging from Z through Large Scale.  In fact, when I buy Large Scale rollng stock with plastic wheels, I invariably buy a set of metal wheels to make the exchange, and just consider the new wheels as part of the overall cost of the car.  My feeling is that the track tends to stay a whole lot cleaner with metal wheels on metal rails--a feeling that dates back to my early days in N scale years ago when much of the rolling stock was issued with plastic wheels.

But since I've never found FasTrack to be overly noisy--at least in my situation and applications--changing wheelsets is not something that I would ever need to do with my O gauge stuff.

Might be a viable solution for others though, so I'm sure some here that are overly bothered by the noise will welcome the tip.

[Jumijo]

Lee,

You can look up the FasTrack Volume Control Track part number for yourself in the newest Lionel catalog, online, OR call Lionel and ask them the part number.

Have a nice day!


Jim

[lionelsoni]

Another alternative that hasn't been mentioned is to pump all of the air out of your train room, since sound will not travel in a vacuum.  The only disadvantage of this would seem to be that any air whistles that you have will become inoperative.  (Other whistles on the other hand will still work--you just won't be able to hear them.)

[SchemerBob]

Well I don't really know what to make of all this...so far I have only heard about 3 suggestions...homastote, insulation and carpet. This topic comes at a perfect time seeing that my layout is still in its planning stage and not too much damage has been done...yes, I am going to use FasTrack on my layout. Personally, the actual noise of the FasTrack is not a problem for me AT ALL. Isn't that amazing? It must be personal preference then. I have the Polar Express, and it doesn't even sound loud. Well, it IS, but that's just the way it's supposed to sound, isn't it? My other trains don't sound that bad, either. And get this - I have been running my trains on hardwood floor.

Now I did notice something during Christmastime last year. I had my FasTrack set up under the Christmas tree, and of course I brought out some of those "snow" fabric coverings and laid the track over it. This stuff wasn't very thick, yet it decreased the sound level dramatically to a very satisfying level. On my permanent layout, I've been thinking of laying my track on a plywood subroadbed which, on top of that is some cork. Is that overdoing it, or is the plywood enough? I heard someone say that cork really doesn't change much. Or maybe I should buy some more Christmas snow covering? Menards has it already....

[Anonymous]

Bare plywood is about the worst subsurface to use, either witb Fastrack or any other track.  At the very least, you'll want to cover the plywood with Homasote, cork, or a carpet material (or even the "snow" bunting that you mentioned).

There have been a number of idiotic responses posted to this thread, so you'll just have to sort through--and ignore--the lame attempts at humor and select from the responses from folks who are truly trying to be helpful.

Bottom line is:  FasTrack is probably the best track system yet designed for a toy train (as opposed to Hi-Rail) or on-the-floor O gauge layout.  If the alleged "noise" bothers you, you can always experiment with some different brand or type, but my guess is you'll quickly see the advantages of FasTrack in these types of applications.

[Jumijo]

Bare plywood is about the worst subsurface to use, either witb Fastrack or any other track.  At the very least, you'll want to cover the plywood with Homasote, cork, or a carpet material (or even the "snow" bunting that you mentioned).

There have been a number of idiotic responses posted to this thread, so you'll just have to sort through--and ignore--the lame attempts at humor and select from the responses from folks who are truly trying to be helpful.

Bottom line is:  FasTrack is probably the best track system yet designed for a toy train (as opposed to Hi-Rail) or on-the-floor O gauge layout.  If the alleged "noise" bothers you, you can always experiment with some different brand or type, but my guess is you'll quickly see the advantages of FasTrack in these types of applications.

I have to agree with Allan on all his points. FasTrack is probably the best track system for toy trains.

And as for all of you who posted those "idiotic responses", and "lame attemps at humor", I'll just add that this is a very, very serious matter we're discussing here. There is no good reason to throw fun and levity into such a gravely important topic of discussion such as reducing the noise caused by TOY trains running on FasTrack. You know who you are, silly boys. Shame on you! No more nonsense. Shape up or ship out!

Jim