Here’s why I ask: The recent thread concerning quality control on MTH Realtrax, and that MTH didn’t seem aware there was a problem. If they read the forums, they should know.
This is my theory: Most people who are into the hobby big time, don’t use this track system. I would say the same about Lionel’s Fastrack. I know there are those who do, but I’m thinking that Lionel tubular, Gargraves/Ross, and Atlas are more widely used by forum members than any other track. Please don’t misread this! I’m not putting down Realtrax or Fastrack in any way! I’m just thinking that most people who are into the hobby so much that they have found these forums, use a different track system, or are planning to.
The average guy buying a starter set, either MTH or Lionel, which comes with Realtrax or Fastrack, is probably buying it for a holiday gift or under the tree. If they bother to add switches, and they don’t work, they probably just don’t set it up the next year, or change to a different track, and don’t bother with contacting the track manufacturer, or posting it on the forums. I don’t know that as a fact, which is why I’m asking.
Again, I have NOTHING against Realtrax or Fastrack!!! I’m just wondering what forum members are using for track, and I guess why they chose the system they did?
I was using K-line shadow rail, super snap, and tubular Lionel-O. On my new layout I’m going to use Atlas steel (because I found it cheap, and I want to start all over), and have no complaints on these systems yet (Including the modern Lionel O-22’s, which worked flawlessly for 6 years).
For a while, I seriously considered using Gargraves. While I do like my scale equipment, I also really enjoy postwar(including operating accesories), and tubular just really makes things easier for running postwar. I don’t like the thought of having to tinker with expensive switches just to get my sliding shoes to reliably pass through them. Plus, tubular is dirt cheap-I often pay about $.75 a section for good condition postwar track, which I prefer to use where possible because it’s heavier gauge steel(better for magnetraction).
Overall, I have no complaints. My trains can go where they need to, and power drops are minimal. My switches consist of postwar O22s, which can be cantankerous but are overall reliable, the much detested modern O31 switches(catalog number 23010/23011), which have been absolutely perfect and operated flawlessly for me, and a single K-line O42 switch(with the low-profile motor), which has also been perfect.
I built up a good stock of postwar UCS operating track thanks to reciprocal agreement with my local shop where the owner gave me one for everyone I rewired for him to sell in the store. I currently have one in every place I could want one(each mainline and each siding), and still have a stockpile for any future expansion. I also have a whole bunch of the RCS operating tracks, one of which I use(to operate my milk car), and the rest also reserved for any potential future expansion.
With myself as established as I am in tubular, I don’t see myself changing any time soon.
Sorry to be contrary, but I use FastTrack for my floor layouts. It works well and can be walked on without problems. I had RealTrax but gave it up when I started having troubles with the connectors and some track sections. I’ll probably use either Gargraves or Atlas for the permanent layout.
BTW, my only real issue with FastTrack is noise. You can weather the ballast with washes and use Floquil Paint Markers to improve the look of the rails.
I use good 'ol fashioned 027 tubular track by Lionel. Why? Because it came in my first train set - and it was easier and inexpensive to continue with it, including the 027 curves. I like the self-imposed limits.
I use original American Flyer track enhanced with extra ties and vinyl bed roadbed. It is cheap, works great and cleans easily. Did I say it was cheap? It also works with the AF accessories without modifications.
For my S gauge trains I use original American Flyer track and switches with original rubber road bed.
For my Wide Gauge Flyer I use original Flyer tubular track.
For O gauge I did use tubular track. I do get to take some of my collection to local train shows and other venues during the year. I discoverd that my o gauge tubular track was damage and provided many more headaches than I was willing to deal with. I looked over the modern track systems and decided on Fastrack because it went together well, provided good electical contact and was fairly accessible. When I decided to put down some o track for a layout to watch my collection run I just continued to buy Fastrack to make expansions as I could. It is a temporary layout and it works just fine.
I am working on an elevated loop using original Marx trestles, so I am still using some tubular track. It looks a bit like an elevated line, like the ones I grew with in Chicago.
My son likes the Fastrack the best and that is what we used to build our layout. We have run it quite a bit and we are very happy with it. I tried using O27, but then I sliced my hands way too many times and it just seemed so much harder to work with than the Fastrack. My son didn’t like the looks of the O27 track either.
Chuck: Your weathering looks Awesome! Care to post a tutorial?
I’m with ben10ben. My permanent layout consists of tinplate on foam roadbed with 022 switches and UCS’s. I like the look of the toy trains. I am leaning toward more realistic scenery, and with a little weathering and ballast the tinplate rails fit right in. There’s a lot of used track out there, and you get more bang for the buck.
I also have Fastrack. I received it as part of a starter set, and started using it for the Christmas layout, and for temporary outdoor layouts. It’s quick and easy to assemble, and one-piece plastic base keeps the underside of the trains free from whatever the track sits on, be it wood chips outdoors, carpet fibers, or the poly batting for Christmas.
K-Line tubular track on Johnson’s rubber roadbed (grey-out of production). I use Lionel switches (can’t beat the reliability), and ROSS track on bridges (for appearance).
That being said, I like Lionel’s new track for appearance and availabilty.
After 48 years I am back to 3 rail again. I switched to HO back around 1960 and then to Large Scale around 1995.
I will be setting up with Atlas Century 21 track and switches. I was told it is a good track system. Seeing as I have no close by hobby shops (all are over 50 miles away) and no friends that are into model trains close by. I am pretty much on my own and will probably make a few mistakes along the way.
I will be attempting to model O 3 rail scale. I saw that term used on another forum.
I used lionel O gauge tubular,O22 switches,lionel 027 tubular,GarGrave switches and 072 switches on the first part of my layout. I used Atlas O on the second part of my layout added later. Out of all of them, I like the Atlas the best. I have had to solder jumpers across some of the Atlas track joiners, but other than that, no problems.
I use Fastrack for the main level of my layout, with some 0 gauge tubular used in my Union Station complex. For switches I use Fastrack 036 and some 022 used with the adapter track.
My elevated track section is Marx 034, using a combination of Marx metal track elevators and Lionel trestles. This section uses no switches.
Lionel O27 Tubular…I have an extremely tight budget and very limited income. Also, being a “player” rather than “modeler”, the track looks just fine. Of course, when I close my eyes [zzz] I dream of Gargraves and Ross. Thanks for asking.
You might think about using 027 profile track along with Ross Custom Switches. It comes in radii up to 054.The money saved on the track can go toward better switches. Just a thought.
I used Reltrax. No connectivity problems as I solder long sections together to help. I think, once laid out and screwed down, it is not a problem. The switches have been a problem but hopefully that will improve. Fastrac is great too. Some say noisey. Toy trains are going to be noisey. With homasote or soundstop underlayment, noise is reduced. Gargraves andRoss switches seems the be the most popular.
