I don’t get on this site all the time but is Lionel changing over its Fastrack to a black center rail or are they making 2 versions? All Fastrack I have so far has the silver center rail.
Hi Boyd. I think it’s the other way around. Some of the early Fastrack had the blackened center rail, then they went to plain silver. When and where did you see the blackened center rail?
Big Boy has it right. They initially released the track with a blackened center rail, but rather quickly changed it to the “plain” version. Some of the early sets equipped with FasTrack had the blackened version, but that’s about it.
Actually, many folks seem to feel that the silver center rail FasTrack looks better. I would tend to agree. The darkened rail contrasted more with the light-colored roadbed, making the blackened rail even more obvious.
Yes, to all of the above. I first saw FasTrack at my dealer, Nicholas Smith Trains, last Feb…In fact, it got me “into” building a year 'round layout after 18 years of “Holiday only” ones. I felt the silver-only looked best, so that’s what I got. I later found out that black center rail was no longer being made. NS still has some in stock, but not much.
Not only did the black rail stand-out more…the silver center rail reflects the image of the ties…making it less noticable. The “perfect” FasTrack may be to weather the sides of the 2 outside rails. I may try a section. FasTrack is not for everyone, but I love it. Joe
You mean like this:
There were conductivity problems with the original Fastrack center rail so the blackening was eliminated.
Yep, he’s got it right. The initial release of FasTrack had the blackened center rail, but some engines (especially older ones if I remember correctly) wouldn’t run properly on it.
If I remember correctly, more than a year ago, someone here on the forum said they had problems with the blackened center rail, and Lionel replaced it with with plain. So, somewhere between function and looks, Lionel decided plain was better.
Actually, all of the different tracks that have blackened center rails, need cleaning before use. They say the black part is electrically conductive, but…
I’ve given serious thought to doing that, as well as to painting the plastic ballast to make that appear more realistic.
Jim
Jim, if you wanted to do something to make the ballast look less “plasticky”, try a light wash of diluted india ink. it will bring out the molded detail.
I like the sides of the rail painted. I am doing it to my Gargraves track. Wow, what a difference.
I got the black center rail when I purchased my hobo set since then it is all silver.
No problems with either.
laz57
The blackened center rail fastrack I saw (some) at the Hub Hobby in Richfield off of 36 + Rice street. I returned 2 pieces of Realtrax to get more Fastrack. Oooofff its $3.69 for straight or 36 curve there. And I can get those same pieces at Trainexpress for $2.30 each. I will be ordering a bunch after I can sell my 027 track and switches…
I think you may have run into some old stock there, pal. I used to work there many years ago, when it was a much smaller and tighter ship. I was there last year, and the train department has really gone down hill. Charging full pop MSRP doesn’t help rotate stock.
Charlie Ro is where I get my train basics when I need them, good service, good prices. I only use the local hobby stores for modeling supplies, glue, plastic, wood and such.
BTW 36 and Rice is Little Canada, but I knew what you meant. Been a realllllly long time since I schlepped to 64th and Penn in Richfield.[swg]