153 IR track question

[overall]

I have several 153 IR contactors on my layout. I really like them, but here's a question; Can the 153 IR be used with track types other than O or 027 tubular track? As many of you know, they are designed to clamp on to tubular track.

Also, there is a presistant rumor that Lionel is discontinuing it's tubular track after this year. I do not know of any "official" announcement from them on this. Maybe someone on the editorial staff could call Lionel and ask for verification? 

Thanks,

George

[rtraincollector]

1st I hear that rumor at least twice a year for last 10 years ever since fastrack came out. they don't catalog it but its another made to order basically item and there is so much of it in the market there no chance of it becoming a shortage as for one ready made trains still sells tublar track I believe it's the old K-Line snap track but there but go look on ebay some time type in track theres more than you will ever need.

Now for other track guess you could do gargraves just break/slide ties where you need to connect I do that for things like 153C 

I thought there was a 153 IR that didn't connect to the track it sat next to the track and read the train going by I might have the wrong number but remember hooking something like that up for a friend that had fastrack 

[overall]

Yes, that was another question I had; Can the 153 IR be used with Fastrack? I don't know much about Fastrack, I was hoping someone who had worked with it would chime in.

[KRM]

You do not need to use the track power Lockon for the 153IR.

See page 4 and read note:

You can get the power from the track or an outside source.   Wherever you’re A and U terminals power would be,

http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4111-250.pdf

That is the way I use mine.

Hope this helps.