I could possibly stick with the FasTrack since I like how the trains run on them and they go through the switches quite well and smoothly. I know alot of people prefer Atlas or GarGraves for their permanent layouts, but it usually winds down to preference. I don’t think there are many who have permanent FasTrack layouts, not that I have seen at least. If there were any layout photos using FT, then I could see what it would look like.
It doesnt matter to me whether I have hi-rail or not, if it looks good to me and if my trains runs good on it, then it will work for me. One nice thing about variety is that you can make your railroad however you want it.
I checked out the Ross switches on their site the other day, and they have some pretty awesome switches, especially the ones that you can double-up for making intricate freight yards. Maybe I could duplicate that same using FasTrack switches too.
Ok, after doing some more reading and some researching, I have came to some conclusions.
Basicaly, the type of track that are usually used for temproary layouts in most cases would be FasTrack, K-line and other lower-ended track, including tubular.
For permanent layouts, track choices would be Ross, and Gargraves track and switches. Because of the details of the track and ties it would have a more realistic look on the layout.
I sometimes wonder if I had wasted my purchases on the little FasTrack that I have currently. Sure they would look great for temporary layouts, but I would most likely have to plan on what track system to go with for a future permanent layout. I’ve read of posts saying how FT is good for a ‘toy based’ layout, but not something that would be used on a permament basis. And to me that’s somewhat discouraging. I love the look of the Ross switches, but they would be a challenge to mate with the FT. I’ve never had any GG or Ross track so I dont have any experience with working with those. And how about when it comes to operating accessories like signals and such and operating cars? How would those be typically wired with Ross and GG track?
Don’t want to seem like a bother with this topic, I guess I seem to get more involved in this hobby than I did in the past years. I guess what I should do at some point is find someone who has a layout that has the GG or Ross based track system and see for myself on how it performs. Then I could make a more sound decision.
I highly reccomend you look at as many layouts and track types as you can before you make up your mind. I just kept adding peices of FasTrack from my starter set and got to the point of no return. I’m not saying it was a bad decision but if I were to start over I would have done more research and even set up a loop of another type to test for myself.
Thanks for sharing your layout pics. The FT looks quite good on that layout. What kind of track did you use for the elevated portion of the layout? I think ever since I saw my uncle’s layout that consisted of FT, I was pretty drawn on the look and how smooth it ran along the track and the switches he has. You have a valid point though, I will look at more layout types and see how they work; maybe ask more questions too. I never had any idea what Ross switches or GarGraves was until I joined this forum. Guess thats what being out of the hobby for a few years does to ya.
@tadowler, thanks for your response. Since I live in a duplex right now, pretty much a permanent layout would be out of the question until I am able to buy a home one day (and who knows how long that will take).
As for the FasTrack, I will most likely hold on to it for now and see how it goes, especially since I just recently gotten O72 curves earlier this month. Soon I will look into buying some remote switches to see how well they work, which I heard was pretty good and smoothly.
Please let me know how you like those 72" curves and switches. I have been looking to go with wider curves but everyone seams to be out of stock right now.
if you have a bunch of tubular track, I would consider sticking with it. Your cost is zilch, and if you need to expand, it is readily available and cheap and comes in as many radii as you may need - 31, 42, 54, 72 with swicthes available for all.
The $$$ you save can go into engines, frieght, scenery (that adds up fast) or buildings.
Add some ties, as shown below, and it looks pretty decent.
