FASTRACK OR MTH

[Anonymous]

I like my Realtrax but Fastrack is nice as well.

[Anonymous]

LionelFastrack looks nice but is way too noisy.

[cwburfle]

One of the posts on page one mentioned Lionel Trutrack.

Lionel announced and manufactured Trutrack in the early 1970's (1974, I think). The track never made it into wide distribution because the design was faulty. The rails were made of aluminum, which when oxidized, is a poor conductior. The rails had little copper (or perhaps bronze) clips riveted to their ends to provide electrical connectivity between sections. I bought a bunch of it from a Lionel Service Station in Western NY. When I purchased it, the dealer warned me that the track was not usable for anything but display, but I tried to set up a circle anyway. The train could to make it around a simple circle. So, as the dealer said, trutrack is only good for displaying trains, or as a curiosity.

From what I have read, Fastrack works fine, but I haven't tried it. I have too much other track to consider a switch.

[bibeaud]

The latest RR-track downloads for the newest FasTrack pieces is available at http://www.rrtrack.com/html/updates_o.html

[Buckeye Riveter]

I've been using MTH Realtrack for the last four years.

No problems. All switches work great. No repairs. Heavy use.

[?] What do you suppose I am doing wrong??

[FJ and G]

In may CTT, Fasttrack (Lionel) took out a full page ad for a wye. It looks pretty decent. I'd never buy fake roadbed but it works well on carpets and makes people happy so it must be good.

[willpick]

Cohengadol, I don't know if RR trak's lionel library has been updated to include Fastrack, but I'd be willing to bet that RR trak will be the first and maybe the only one to add it to the library. The other popular programs (Cadrail, Winrail, etc) will probably wait until more pieces are available.

[FJ and G]

I have discovered that MTH Realtrax is fire resistant. It took about a minute of direct propane torch fire to burn off the plastic so that I could salvage the nice rails for track laying experiments.

[Anonymous]

has anybody seen any layout planning software for fasttrack??

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hi Jack, I see you snuck in while I was typing.[:D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

You're welcome Rongk, after just a couple of months hanging around here, there has been a lot written on this topic, as you may have noticed as you plowed through those topics. The trick was knowing where to find it quickly. I hope you found those discussions between members useful. I'm sorry I didn't know where to find a picture, so I had to stick you with a "thousand words".[:D]

Atlas is a very nice system, with a great selection of components. I don't think that you will run into any noise problem with it either, and the cost is comparable to the Fastrak.

Keep one thing in mind, if you have magnatraction locomotives, nickel silver rail has no iron in it. But, Atlas also has some components available in steel, and if you have hills or sharp curves, you could switch styles in those locations with virtually no difference in appearance.

Have fun, and keep us posted on your progress. Oh, and welcome to the forum.[#welcome]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Rongk, please read these topics, I think they will help you decide.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11805
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11722
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11743
I'm not sure if anyone has a layout of much more than a circle and a couple of switches yet.

Until Lionel issues the REMOTE switches and the larger curves later this year or 2005, I won't be converting. I am currently working on a large oval of FasTrack and am trying different sound deadening materials. I'll give you guys a full lab report when I'm done--probably early next week.

[Anonymous]

thank you BIG BOY for the help I personaly am building a 10'x20' layout with ATLAS O THREE rail nickel silver. Hope to post a few pictures in the next couple of weeks.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Rongk, please read these topics, I think they will help you decide.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11805
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11722
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11743
I'm not sure if anyone has a layout of much more than a circle and a couple of switches yet.

[Anonymous]

Hello, does anyone have any photos of their Lionel Fasttrack layout would much appreciate before I decide which way to go with my layout

[Big_Boy_4005]

Richard, funny you should ask about the photos, I was just explaining how to do it on another topic with Spankybird, check it out. http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11737
He got his up to the web, and created a link, but still needs to learn the img command in the forum code to get the photo to appear in the response.

[Anonymous]

If you use a TPC (track power controller) you can power your Fastrack with a brick, no sweat. You just need to buy the TPC wire cable adapter for the brick's connector.

[Anonymous]

Hi Big_boy,

How did you insert that picture of FasTrack into your message? If the rest of us insert a few pictures it sure would make our messages more interesting.

I’m pretty sure that the performance of the FasTrack switches will be a determining factor whether serious model railroader switch over. Leaving other brand name out of it, my Lionel 0-27 traditional switches derail the back truck of my Lionel GP-9, and I must always hit the switch with the front truck first. Also, my Lionel 0-4-0 Steam Switcher shorts out when passing over the switch. The mechanical coupler hits the metal portion of the Lionel Switch causing sparks to fly out. In addition, the 0-4-0 wheel flanges are too long, and it rides up on the metal portions of the switch. You probably know of other defects.

Richard

[Big_Boy_4005]

Jack, thank you very much for your vote of confidence, I am truly flattered, but please be careful, too much of that could cause my head to swell up to the point that I couldn't get through the door to the train room, and that would be a problem.[swg]

Seriously though, when I first saw this topic I thought it was silly, and was going to avoid it, but then I took the time to read it, and and decided to really find out what it was all about. The fact that I am not in the market or position to change track systems allowed me to be objective and play the Devil's advocate, a luxury perhaps not afforded Bob Keller because of his position.

Many years ago I worked in a hobby store. I always enjoyed helping people choose what trains to buy. I was never into "hard selling", but rather tried to inform the customer, and let them choose. The secret was to know the product, and with a little study, it came easily because the subject was so much fun. I guess that old habits die hard.

Maybe the fact that I used to work in a hobby store, is why I don't spend much time in them any more. But after reading Bob's review in CTT, and seeing the photos, I figuerd I needed to make the trip and get the facts so that I could speak intelligently. As long as I was going to make the 40 mile round trip, I figuerd that I shouldn't come away empty handed, so I bought a single straight section.



I haven't disected it yet, but I have examined it from every angle, and listened to everyone's comments, and can see how this could be the track of the future, but I think the system still needs work.

New things come with growing pains, and the question each person considering switching needs to ask is "What are my needs, and will this track meet them"? That answer is not set in stone, as people get deeper into the hobby, their needs and desires can change. The beauty of this forum is that through discussion we have already identified several drawbacks to the system as it currently exists, and see problems whose solutions have not yet been announced.

I hope for everyone's sake, that Lionel is listening, and can move quickly to provide the solutions.


This is my 400th post (in two months)

[Anonymous]

Well, after testing my loop of FasTrack for a month, I had to tear it down to see how our new Lionel baby pacific handles 0-27. The first thing that I noticed is that the traditional track is quite a bit quieter. A lot quieter! My wife was complaining about not being able to hear the TV.

And of course, in the same space that the FasTrack used I can build a small 0-27 layout with a passing loop and a few sidings. This gave me a chance to try out my boy’s new TMCC hand control with two command engines and one conventional. Yeeks! When I forgot to through a switch one of the command engines shorted out. That caused the conventional K-Line engine that was sitting there in neutral to take off like a speeding bullet. There should be a warning about that in the TMCC manual. Luckily, our new Alco FM units didn’t fall off the table.

Anyway, none of the engines slowed down in the same spot like they did with the FasTrack. I don’t like the looks of that traditional 0-27 track, but it sure makes a nice layout on our 4 X 8 Kitchen table.

0-27 forever;

Richard

[Anonymous]

Thanks for seeing that BB!! Here's a quote from the catalog: "It is compatible with both Lionel FasTrack and O/O27 track systems. Includes power wire with FasTrack connectors and one standard Lionel Lockon." I am glad, because I use that litte shed right now and I would hate later on to had to abandon it!

Believe me, when I say that I decided to wait because of what Big_Boy and I have been talking about. BB makes A LOT of sense! I would love to not wait, but the absence of a way to make control blocks (center rail must be able to be insulated), and the loudness of the track have put the "beautifulness" of this new track to shame.

In my case, I can't justify tearing up probably $3,000 worth of tubular track/switches that are in place for a product that is at this time limited in its scope and abilities. If Lionel does not want us "old-timers" to believe this new system of track is only for beginners, then we need to A LOT more than what is in VOL. 1 2004. Here's hoping we do. And here's to BB! He never got "smug" and held a wonderful conversation with me for many days! BRAVO! He is a rare one indeed. I for one, am glad he's here!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well Derek, I'm not saying that Fastrack can't be for the serious hobbiest. What I am saying is that as of this time there are critical elements missing from the system, that serious hobbiests are used to having available to them when using other track systems. Perhaps, in time the pieces necessary to do these things will become available. Please read this exchange between Amtrak Jack and myself. http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11743
Jack also has other topics discussing Fastrack that are worth reading, including his most recent in which he says that he has decided to wait before changing over.

I noticed in the new catalog that the Powerhouse lockon is shown without the actual lockon sticking out from the housing. The one that I have is designed to sit next to the track and be clipped to it directly. It is possible that they have a new version of this item with terminals and wires.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to everyone I did not see all of the page two posts until tonight. Why cant fast track be for the serious hobbyist? I never liked Lionel until I saw the fasttrack. I have always been an LGB, HO or N fan. Why? Because of the track. The NH Diesel TMCC set I got just thrilled me with the details and the TMCC. But it came with the old style track. After almost 35 years of hating Lionel I am a fan. Yes I even have grown to like the tubular track! My Christmas LGB display will most likely never be seen again. I am to the point where I can live with the old Lionel track. I needed some short pieces and cutting the tubular track was a breeze.

Derek
A guy with tons of LGB stuff that most likely will not see daylight for a long time.

[Anonymous]

trail_cam Thanks for the tip! That will be my next project after the bookcase I have been working on! I did get my trains on display tonght with http://www.aarailroad.com/ showcase express. What a great product! Anyway, I am going to have to go with a doorway layout. I switched from LGB because of size and now I want more layout stuff. Oh well. I will get some fasttrack next time at the train store. Derek

[Big_Boy_4005]

FEC, I'll go along with Lionel's committment to TMCC, since it has been on the market for almost 10 years. They have even gotten Atlas and K-line to license TMCC and market their trains with factory installed TMCC receivers.

But I'm not as convinced when it comes to Fastrack, like I said before, the jury is still out, and may be out for years to come. A lot will depend on how well they handle the issues that have been raised here. It certainly seems like cost may be a major factor in in the minds of consumers.

Do we know how committed MTH is to Realtrax? Have enough people bought into that system, or will it be scrapped? These are business decisions that have to be made by manufacturers, based on consumer response.

There have been a number of similar track offerings in HO, which is most likely where MTH and Lionel got the idea in the first place. Marklin was the first to use a track with integral roadbed, though I'm not sure of the date, it goes back at least 35 years. However, to the best of my knowlege, none of these systems come close to the sales of non roadbed track.

[Anonymous]

BigBoy, you're absolutly right about the markup. That's insane. I can go to Wendy's and get a meal cheaper than what they want for a little piece of wire.
I understand that this is all new tech, and that they probably need to make up for developing it, but if this is advertised as a family hobby, then they should atleast price it better.

I know several people that were discouraged from getting into this hobby on the count of the high cost.

[FEClionel]

I believe Fastrack is geared towards all user even TMCC. Look at the last two Lionel catalogs, both in the TMCC section show TMCC trains on Fastrack. I think Lionel is committed for TMCC and Fastrack to be the future of the company and the hobby.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I'll go along with that Richard, though its somewhere between "jury rigging" and "Rube Goldberg", it would work. [:D][swg]

On the other hand, there is a chance that Derek was talking about something else, and I misunderstood. At this stage in the development of Fastrack, I can't imagine too many serious TMCC users trying it, as Fastrack seems to be aimed at beginners, and TMCC is not.

[Anonymous]

Okay, and thanks for pointing that out. I edited my message, and add this:

A straight section of tubular track could be used as a terminal strip for the TMCC Lock-on and a pigtail over to the FasTrack Terminal Section.

Richard