Brand New member, New to the Hobby and a big new problem - Need advice

Mark is Cool, you can use plastic wire ties inserted in the Fastrack to quiet the sound some, with carpet padding between the Fastrack and plywood. Basically, use the small wire ties, about 4” long, and fasten underneath with another wire tie “lock” to hold it tight. I also cut the top lock down a bit to almost flush with the track.

@Mark is Cool posted:

I then went down the black abyss of "how to make fasttrack quiet" which ultimately has no answer despite people's claims.  So I found some junk carpet and at least for that half of the figure 8 it's somewhat reasonable.

You will get there... I can be quieted.   You may also be getting a bit of a Boom-Box effect where the tunnels are acting as sound ports from the upper level?

Mark,

I love the way you broke with  "classic convention" and just built what you wanted, how you wanted, and where you wanted.  I think you child can feel like he is part of the build process, since you are using simple boxes and things he understands and you are doing it quickly.

Yet, sooner or later (and I really think sooner) you are going to have a derailment underneath your tunnel/box structure, so at least make sure that you can reach the train under there using a flashlight and a flexible mechanical "grabber".   

Mannyrock55

Oh about the tunnel!  I have a small cut out hidden on the back so I can reach in there. Also the "grabber" is in the kitchen next door in case I need it (great advice! ).

I think I'll wind up cutting the junk carpet into strips just as wide as the track base then do what was suggested about tie downs (thank you again!).

The boys are loving running both trains at the same time (wide open of course!).

Hi Mark,

You have a moderate obstacle to overcome. The important thing is, are the boys enjoying the trains & are you enjoying their excitement?

Unfortunately you created a sounding board, which created a drum like effect for the top train. When it comes to this hobby, a lot needs to be learned by trial & error. Suggestions from others will help avoid some of that. Like Al Nevada mentioned, there will be many opinions on what to do. What is satisfactory for one, may not be for you. By adding the carpet on one section of board you notice some improvement, and that's part of your solution.

Lionel FasTrak may be the noisiest track system out there, the track in itself creates a sound chamber. I'm not knocking it, many people love it for many reasons, I myself don't, because of the sound magnifying qualities.

Forum members will suggest everything from Homasote, cork, insulation foam board, carpet padding, carpet, etc. Personally, my belief through trial & error is, the more flexible (softer) cushion under the track the better. Carpet padding with carpet is an excellent solution. You could try multi purpose floor tiles, see attached. Although I haven't tried them, I think they have potential. If you shop around they can be relatively inexpensive, especially for the area you need to cover.

Running the trains slower is also a solution, but as I mentioned earlier in this post, the boys will want to run them as fast as possible. The set supplied power source, does not allow for limiting the power to the track. Many Lionchief engines don't offer a fine range of speed variance with that remote, especially with the full power the set power source offers. Naturally your sons will probably want to turn the Lionchief remote to full. I have had a lot of success with low cost variable transformers supplying the power. I set the power to about 2/3rds and even with the Lionchief remote set to full the train will only run at 2/3rds.  If you consider that option, I suggest you see your local hobby shop. They usually have used items for sale, but buy only one to test and see if that is a solution. You will also need a terminal track, see attached. If you can afford a better power supply that helps you expand later, that may be a better choice.

Before you spend any more money, try running the train slower & go from there. Sometimes the simplest, less expensive solution is the best. I'd try cheap carpet or padding first. It might be the best solution for you at this time.

Good luck, keep us posted,

Joe

I love the picture!

Just realized I never attached the pictures. My bad.

Hi Mark,

Looking forward to your solution. Although the sound is very different on a video than in person, a before and after video would be interesting.

Joe

Mark,

Welcome back to the hobby and welcome to the OGR Forum!!  I should have picked Mark is Cool for a forum name. 

I like what you have done for the boys.  If all of you are having fun, that is all that matters for now.  Yours and the boys' interests will change as you grow with the hobby!  Have fun!!

I've mentioned this before, but I use a flexible, cheap foam roll that I found at the local Home Depot for like $10 for a 50 foot roll to make my Fastrack quieter. The foam works very well in my opinion. Plus, it is cheap and easy to cut.

Hi Dylan,

Would it possible to give an item number or photo?

LOL can tell you want NOT to do, some kind of green goopy sounding deadening substance they use in making sound studios. Corroded the track, never hardened, sort of like how thermal paste never seems to fully dry out. It was a left over cartridge from work.

Sure to avoid that!

Mark,

Just wondering how things are going with the trains? Another thread just started yesterday that reminded me of your boys layout.

Joe

It's going fine Joe.

We had to do a complete disassembly when the CEO wanted new floors in there.

Something for the boys to look forward to.