Which roadbed track is best?

[SchemerBob]

I've been thinking about putting roadbed track on my permanent layout someday, but don't know which type is best. The one's I've considered are Lionel FasTrack or MTH RealTrax. There are pros and cons about each. With FasTrack, I've heard it's really loud. And RealTrax doesn't have any grade crossing pieces, but I could easily make one.

So, which is better; FasTrack or RealTrax?

[Anonymous]

Well, the two you've chosen (track with built-in roadbed) are the only two there are in O gauge, so that narrows things down a bit.

But I'm afraid the sad news is that there is no "best" choice. You asked the question here, and you'll likely get 50 or more answers, each one claiming that their choice is "best." And for the individuals responding, their "best" may indeed be best--for them.

The truth is, both are good track systems. At the present time, the MTH RealTrax offers more in the way of component variety, and it has solid and more realistic looking rails. Lionel's FasTrack has fewer components available now, and the track has hollow inverted-U-shaped rails. In my opinion, and having used both, the two systems are each good, and each has its own set of advantages and limitations.

Both systems are noisy--at least more noisy than track installed on cork, Homasote, or foam roadbed. That doesn't bother some folks, while it drives others up the wall.

The solution I recommend is a bit costly, but not overly so. Buy an oval of each type of track and give them a try. Select the one you like for your layout, and use the other oval for an around-the-tree layout during the holiday season.

There really is no substitute for trying the stuff yourself. Others will try to persuade you one way or another, but not a single one of them really knows what's best for you in your particular situation. Only you can make that decision, and it shouldn't be all that hard since you only have two types to choose from.

[Anonymous]

I have recently relayed all of my track with MTH track. Have had no problems at all. The only thing is, I have been waiting patiently for their "y" turnout. It was supposed to be out in May. As my dealer says."MTH didn't say which May". The manufacturers should try harder to get their products out when promised.
Paul

[Anonymous]

I do not have any experience with Realtrax, I must start by saying that. I have a 24' x 8' Layout, two loops of 072 Fastrack. I have 4 uncouplers, a total of 15 072 switches. I think it is great stuff. I've had to take it apart many times(to do some scenery work) and it snapped back together without a hitch. Tough stuff. It is very easy to trim the roadbed plastic(should you need to), as well as the tubular track itself. As far as the noise goes, I think the noise is just fine. It does not drown out any train sounds at all(to me it sounds like trains runnin'). I have the track on a plywood table with 1" foam board between to plywood and track. I did secure it using Liquid Nails in certain spots, however based on the other threads I've read I did not screw it down. I've also read that it's not the track as much as it is the type of rolling stock you're using that makes it sound loud to some folks. I can't tell you which is best, but I am very happy with Fastrack and look forward to many years of using it. Hope this helps, good luck!!

[spankybird]

One thing to consider is do you have any engines with Magne-Traction. If so, the Magne-Traction will not work with Real-track as this is made of nickel-silver rails. IT will work on the Lionel Fastrack.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Great suggestion Alan! Trying both is the only way to know. I have had electrical connections fail on MTH track after repeated assembly and dissasembly. I just correct it with a wire across the bad connection. For a permanent layout this would not be a problem. I also start with a conventional engine and use a wire to "short" across the contacts to find which one is faulty.

I must admit a preference to the sound of the MTH track over the Lionel.

Jim H