How come the Lionel Fastrack switches (specifically the 072 Remote ones) are LESS (originally typed MORE) expensive than the tinplate ones? I would have thought, based on my knowledge of Kato Unitrack and other such track systems, that the pieces would be MORE expensive, not less. Is it because the other track sections (straight, curved) are so much less and thus the prices evens out? Is it because Lionel is really trying to promote it? I was looking at the costs of building a layout, and it seems that tinplate is always cheaper because you can find it used, but the switches are cheaper in Fastrack.
Any thoughts? Do the tinplate switches operate better, or carry any restrictions?
My guess as to the cost part is that they are all new tool work. The higher pricing is also probably partly due to keeping in line with the overall higher price of the entire Fastrack line.
It has always been my opinion that Lionel is making a killing on every piece of Fastrack they produce, since the material cost is so low, perhaps even lower than tubular track. That higher margine has to be a huge reason they love this system.
I’m trying to figure out what track to use when I eventually get to build a more permanent layout in the basement. So far, I’ve got an oval of Lionel Fastrack and an oval of K-line track. I like the Fastrack looks and the clip together feature, which is much better than the track made by Bachman for HO, which is what I used for a Christmas layout last year with the kids. But, another question I have is this - why so few pieces available? Why not more diameter curves? If Lionel really wants to make a real killing on this, then they need to add a whole bunch more pieces to their****nal. I haven’t tried any of the switches, but I’m loathe to invest any more into this system until I can decide whether I’ll be sticking with it.
I suggest you look on ebay - it appears you can get some good deals there, which is another reason I’m thinking twice and thrice before buying more of this track.
I don’t mean that Fastrack switches are more. I meant to type LESS. It is cheaper to buy Fastrack switches then timplate ones, according to the Lionel Catalog. Why?
Sorry, I guess I was a little confused there. Should have checked the catalog or an ad for the prices. Maybe they are trying to offset the high prices of the rest of the track system, as an inducement for people to switch to Fastrack. The goal has to be to build a customer base for the system as quickly as possible.
Actually, I see that Charlie Ro has the 10" straight for $2.50. Last time I checked the local hobby store had it marked $3.49. Big difference, but then Charlie does a huge volume, and is always below catalog prices.
As you said, Fastrack switches are indeed less. 072’s are $18 less per switch, again Charlie’s pricing, meaning you can better afford the higher cost of the straights and curves.
Lionel may yet win hearts and minds with Fastrack. I’m not a fan, but I’m not in the market for track.
I was at the LOTS convention this year and a Lionel rep said they (Lionel) were very surprised at the popularity of the FasTrack and it caught them off guard. Originally it was only targeted at the Christmas tree market not permanent layouts. They have recently made some changes in who at Lionel is working the FasTrack product and priority has been moved up a lot. However as we all know that takes time. They are working on a number of new items, sorry no further details, that we should see soon.
I am personally building a layout with FasTrack and have no complaints. In fact I love the switches and their look and reliability have really impressed me.
I have the fast track for my layout. I have the manual switches on my system but that is because they had not come out with the remote ones yet. I guess I’ll leave it this way for now. The fast track is really a nice setup. I too like how it connects and mounts to the board. I’ve got boxes of old round 3 rail that I will most likely never use now.
Here’s another question - can you control remote Fastrack switches with TMCC? I looked on their website, but can’t find this information. I might upgrade to TMCC someday. Or, how about DCS?
According to the catalog, aux power and TMCC terminals are located in the roadbed base.
Another question. Lionel claims that the FasTrack switches have a 100% non-derailing feature - “allows trains to keep running regardless of switch position”. Does this mean if the switch is thrown for the turnoff, and a train comes through it from the opposite direction, the switch will automatically move instead of derailing the train?
Yes you can use the Fastrack switches with either TMCC or DCS. The lionel instruction manual shows how to hook up the switches to TMCC accessory Switch Controller or the SC2 Switch controller. I have hooked my switches up to the DCS AIU and had no problems.
Yes the switches have a non-derailing feature. The train’s wheels automatically throw the blades to the proper positon when the train travels toward the converging track.
OK, here’s a strange question - can the traditional Lionel O gauge switch controllers (the black ones with the lever and two lights) control Fastrack switches? I like the looks of the old controllers better than the Fastrack ones.