I am finally about to build a new layout for my Lionel Trains. I have had my current layout for almost 23 years and feel overdue for a new one. It was built with Gargraves track which I have decided not to use this time. I am strongly considering Lionel’s new Fast Track System which came with the Nickle Plate Berkshire set I purchased a couple of years ago. I was very impressed by it when I set it up under my Christmas Tree. My question is, has anyone used Fast Track for a layout yet and how reliable are the O36,O60 and O72 remote switches ?? Thanks for your replies. Cobrabob.
FasTrack has been discussed here many times, and a search will likely reveal enough reading material to keep you busy for a long time.
I have used FasTrack, including the FasTrack switches and accessory track sections (such as the crossing signals), and have nothing be favorable things to say about the track system as a whole. For a toy train layout, it is, in my opinion, the best out there, by far.
For Hi-Rail (more scale-like) layouts, I prefer the Atlas track system. Again, I have nothing but good things to say about those components.
Others will have there own opinions, of course, since there are a number of O gauge track systems available and folks tend to want to defend their own choices. Nevertheless, the two I mentioned are the two I plan to stick with, depending on the type of layout I want to build, until something even better comes along (that probably will be a very long wait).
Fast Track is a good track system, and I have had it myself for awhile. The switches run very well, and the trains I have ran smoothly without any glitches.
Many people consider FT for ‘toy’ based layouts, but there have been people who used them for permanent layouts as well. Personally, it doesnt matter, and should never matter. It’s still a toy train regardless of what track system anyone uses, but that’s my thoughts on it and everyone has their own definition on what ‘toy’ vs.‘Hirail’ is. Virtually, from my other thread, hi-rail covers all type of track whether its tubular or Realtrax, not just Atlas, Ross and GG.
Anyway, FasTrack is a good system, connects easily with no pins and they are pretty reliable as well. Perfect for laying on carpet and the pre-made ballast is nice too if you don’t have the skill to make your own ballast. Either way you can’t go wrong with it. Only downside that its somewhat expensive, and as high demand as it is can be tough to find at some hobby shops (unless you look at online dealers).
I had some FT for a bit, but I’ve switched to Atlas for my new track system (because I like the look of the solid rail) and going with Ross switches because I love the variety of switches that they make. Expensive, yes but well worth it. I gave all the FT I had and gave it to my younger brother so that he could upgrade from the O-27 track he was using.
Have fun with your decision. [:)]
Chris
Cobrabob,
First, [#welcome]. You will find this to be a very informative bunch. As has already been stated, do a search of this forum as this topic has been discussed and you will find some usefull information. I am currently getting the layout plan together and will be using Fastrack. The only downsides to fastrack that I know of are expense, which with the quality and durability, is not a big thing for me, secondly, noise. Some say that it is too noisy, which I have also not had a problem. Lastly, the variety of offerings. Until this past catalog issue, the Fastrack lineup did not have a operating track that so many accessories need to function. I believe that this is becoming less of an issue and I think as the popularity of fastrack grows, you will see even more offerings.
Again, welcome and hope to see you visiting the forum more in the future.
Dennis
I used it and everytime I want to run trains, I have to clean the rust off of the tops of the rails, it really pisses me off.[:(!]
RR Redneck, first, please try to refrain from such language, kids younger than you read this forum. Secondly, if your rails are rusting, you have a problem. Were the rails cleaned with a oxidizing agent? If you use regular track cleaners and do normal care, you should not see rust.
Dennis
No rust problems whatsoever with the FasTrack I have (much of which dates back to the early issues). If someone is experiencing a rust problem with their track, I can only imagine that there will be rust problems with the trains and accessories as well. Rust is an environmental problem; not a problem with the manufacturing of the track components.
My FasTrack has been in the GARAGE for over a year, with a less than weather-tite garage door, snow and ice from my wifes cars, salt dust from filling up the water softner and not a hint of rust yet.
Houdy and Allan,
I can only imagine that if the tracks are rusting, that they were exposed to an oxidizing agent like bleach. I have track from the 40’s and no rust, track from the 70’s and no rust and like Houdy, early Fastrack, again, no rust. While I have never subjected it to the garage and snow, it has been in a damp basement and travelled many miles in less than optimum conditions.
Dennis
I have my layout in an enclosed patio room that is next to a pool. Prior layout was up for 4 years, and most of the Lionel / K-Line tubular 027 track was pretty rusted.
I keep the rolling stock inside the house.
For my current layout, I went with Atlas, only because of the nickle-silver rail.
Got the great side benefit of the look and smooth operation. Switches seem to work better than the Lionel as well.
I probably would have gone FasTrack in a less-corrosive environment.
Corton, I agree about using the Atlas while next to the pool Chlorine would also oxidize metal, even stainless would eventually rust. In such environments, you have to be diligent in your cleaning/lubricating.
Dennis
After reading many, many posts on track and switches over the past year, I’ve come to a conclusion on what would be the best system for ME…personally. If I had a large layout, I’d go with Altas track and Ross turnouts. Since my layout is only 5x8, I’m very happy with FasTrack. The only negative I personally see in FT is the rail shape, sort of a upside-down U. Since I have no desire for a LARGE layout, FasTrack is perfect for me. Joe
Well, I finally built the previously mentioned layout after a couple years delay. It has three seperate loops, two on the upper level. So far the FasTrack has worked flawlessly. I am very pleased with my new layout which measures 8’6" x 13’10".
Cobrabob.
The layout is in a “c” shape and features 2 crossings and 8 switches. The lower level is a dogbone shape with tunnels at both ends. Yes, it is very noisy with no cork roadbed, I just run my trains slower at a more realistic speed. That seems to cut down on some of the noise.
Cobrabob.
Here are some more photos of my new FasTrack Layout.
Cobrabob.
This last picture is a bit fuzzy. It was taken with my cell phone camera. It shows the right end of the layout with my old Lionel girder bridges sawed in half length-wise and repositioned at a 45 degree angle over the lower level track. —Cobrabob.
Very nice layout. Do you have a photo that reveals the entire layout?
Mike Spanier
Mike,
I have a few taken with my cell phone, but not very good quality. I may take some with my digital camera tomorrow and post them in a few days. Give me a little time to do so. The upper level has a double track main line and is not interconnected. The inner loop I adapted from the September 2003 CTT Magazine layout plan on page 67. It is titled “Double-Reverse Track plan”. I added two pairs of switches so that I could get more variety from the CTT plan. I can run trains from one reverse loop to the other, or in a double figure eight, or regular figure eight. Or I can just run a train completely around the inner loop in a large ‘c’ shape parallel with the outer loop.
Cobrabob.
Here are a few digital photos of my new layout which is under construction.
Cobrabob.
Very nice layout and it appears to be quite an unusual track plan. Very nice layout construction as well. Do you have a track plan that you could post?
Earl
Cobrabob, very nice layout with using Fastrac.
I have used Fastrac for a small layout and will be selling it at the Hillsboro Rd. train show this saturday. What I don’t like about it is having to clean it so much, I had an 8ft by 3.5 ft layout, using K-Line Interurban passenger cars. I had to clean the track about once a month and I was not using any smoke units in my trains. I did not have any switches so I won’t comment on them. Far as I know all my Fastrac was brand new, maybe it is because I live in south Florida, near West Palm Beach.
Lee F.