Seems as how FasTrack was not tested in the October CTT, I will have to ask for some information. As I have about as many older Lionel magnetraction locomotives and I do traction tired Williams locomotives units I need to know if magnetraction will work well on FasTrack compared to the standard Lionel track. Also, how good are the FasTrack switches, any one using them.
Thanks
Let’s see if I can help. I took a Post War #2046 to a piece of new “O” gauge track, and lifted. The track lifted with the drivers briefly before falling off. I then did the same experiment with a section of FasTrack. Same deal. It seems to me that the “O” track is heavier, but the FasTrack has more plastic “dead weight” pulling down from the magnetized drivers when lifted, so it’s a wash.
The nice thing is, the railhead has a flatter profile, which increases adhesion with both MagneTraction and Traction Tired locomotives.
Switches? I have a pair of MANUAL O-36 turnouts. They are s-m-o-o-t-h. The new automatics haven’t hit the streets yet, but I do like the LED lanterns and the art deco controllers!
Jon [8D]
I agree, Jon; those switch controllers are awesome! I am jazzed by them enough to seriously consider making a major switch to fastrack. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan already, but the ‘future’ of fastrack is making me take a longer, harder look at it.
Can anyone at CTT PLEASE explain WHY fastrack was not included in the track survey? It seems such a glaring omission to me.
I too agree it should have been tested, and included in the article. I even mentioned that fact in my post in the topic about the current issue of CTT. As one of the most out spoken critics of the Fastrack system, I am very curious as to why it was left out, and what the results would have shown.
What is really crazy is that 3 rail O is the only type of train that has so many different styles of track as to warrant such a test. Why isn’t track just track??? It almost seems like an ego thing with the manufacturers to see who can do it better. Personally, I wi***hey would stop.
For those of you who are in love with Fastrack, I say beware. The “devil” is in the detail!!You should not be seduced by it’s “sexy” appearance.[}:)][V] I know I sound like some Bible thumping preacher on this, but I honestly believe that the product is more trouble than it’s worth, and it will not gain enough market share to remain in production forever.
Here endith the surmon.
I use Fastrack including the 036 manual switches. NO PROBLEMS! I works as well or better than traditional 031 track and the looks are a huge improvement.