Fastrack or Realtrax? Which one?

I like Fastrack, more available pieces and switches. Realtrax is fine also, just not as much to choose from and it's a little harder to put together (IMO). Since you want O42 and O54 it must be Realtrax, because Fastrack only comes in O31, O36, O48, O60 and on up (to I think O96 now) in 12" increments. I don't know the Realtrax sizes without looking them up.

I used RealTrax but if I had to do it over I would without a doubt got with atlas or Gargraves with Ross switches. I have come across far too many instances where the options to do what I wanted or needed just weren't there with they rigid track systems.

I like Fastrack, but I will say it truly is a matter of personal choice. 

I've worked with both, and it would be Fastrack hands-down.  The Realtrax was most unimpressive, at least to me.

For a Christmas tree loop I'd always go with Lionel tubular track.

If it's between Fastrack and Realtrax, then no question, Fastrack. Greater range and bomb-proof switches with the added benefit of wider availability.

I second that and move to adopt.

Jerry

For an around-the-tree/under-the-tree layout I prefer a track system that has a build-in roadbed.  The reason for that is it makes it much easier to keep things off the track and, in some cases, away from the wheels and gears of the locomotives and rolling stock (including "stuff" from whatever you have directly under the track).

Both Lionel FasTrack and MTH RealTrax have a built-in roadbed, as do a couple of other choices.  These two have the most extensive range of components though.

I currently use FasTrack on several layouts, and once used it extensively on a carpet layout.  In fact, my small all-tinplate layout is actually laid on marine deck carpeting that is laid on the layout's table top.  I have been very satisfied with FasTrack in all respects.

Fastrack gets my vote hands-down.  I used Realtrax due to size considerations and made a reversing loop . It turned out but man was it unpleasant to work with ...

I have used FasTrack since it came out.   The switches are excellent -- I actual like the manual ones better -- some have been flawless for 10 years now.   I like the second design over the first ones.   I run outdoor carpet under the track and don't have a noise problem.

If you are running larger locomotives and/or placing the track on a HARD surface such as hardwood floors or vinyl, my choice would be Realtrax.

 For hard surfaces Realtrax has 2 very distinct advantages, if not screwed down, which you are not likely to do on your floor.

1) Realtrax has available rubber feet that press into the bottom of the track, which helps keep the track in place. Heavy locomotives moving at any decent speed will cause either track to move, it will rotate in the direction of trains travel.

2) Realtrax has "H" clips available to lock sections together. I have used both, and regardless of others experience, I HAVE had issues with Fastrack coming apart, especially where the trains enter a curve.

I had put together sets for both my Mom and my Father-in-Law, both used BRAND NEW Fastrack, on Carpet. This was NEW track not well used put together/taken apart too many times to count used track.

 I set this track up myself, and even the first time set up both sets had occasional issues with track separation, way more than I expected from reading of others experiences.

These were not large locomotives, my Mom got a Lionel Hudson jr, and I gave my F-I-L a Lionel Mikado jr each with about 8 mostly "traditional" size cars.

I will give FT, the nod in electrical continuity, but with a little care RT can be just fine. Two years ago, I had my normal 2 loops of RT around our Family/dining rooms, about 13 x 24, one loop 082, one loop 072, the 082 loop, I ran for 6 weeks with but a single lock-on, the 072 loop, I did out of necessity add a couple more lock-ons.

RT is not "HARD" to put together, if it is put together properly, and disassembled properly.

When I started in 3R O, I chose RT strictly based on appearance. I now have literally HUNDREDS of pieces of RT, so it would not be practical for Me to change now.

Even if someone wanted to make a piece for piece swap, I wouldn't do it after my experiences with my Mom, F-I-L and other layouts that I have been involved with, and I have learned the quirks of RT, and I am able to use it fairly trouble free.

 Screwed down to a permanent layout, I plan on using Atlas O, between FT and RT, it would be a toss up, but I still prefer the look of the RT.

  On a carpeted floor layout, it would be about a toss up IMO, but I would still use RT with "H" clips.

Doug

RealTrack had my eye initially due to cost when I started back up in O Gauge. Then I bought a RTR set from lionel with a nice 48 inch oval. The decision was sealed at that point to stay with FasTrack. After some time, the connections have worn out, but nothing a pair of pliers cant fix.

If the sound of FasTrack bothers you on hardwood floors, then take thin strips of carpet foam and glue it to the cavities underside.

Apples and oranges Dale.  If he wants a track with an integrated roadbed, the K-Line track isn't a candidate.

If he doesn't need an integrated roadbed, I'd recommend Atlas track and Ross switches.

As someone who has a solid rail Real-Trax year round layout and if your choices are limited to the Real-trax vs. Fastrack for the Christmas layout, I'd go with Fastrack for the Christmas layout.

Both R/T & F/T have the roadbed to reduce the likelihood of holiday "stuff" that might sit between the ties and work its way into the underside of your locos.  Current R/T is now tubelar and not solid rail and as others noted the R/T can be a pain to connect.  Also the copper electrical tabs on the underside can also break from the rail above or at their loop ends.  Sound/noise wise they are roughly the same.  I think the F/T prices are slightly higher than R/T and there are some good R/T bargains to be found every now and then on the "bay".  But if you are buying new, I think the current day selection and dealer availability is better with the Fastrack.

Lirr Fan1, I can't remember if it was mentioned on this forum, in the magazine or on one of OGR Layout videos, but someone, at the suggestion of their spouse, used gray indoor/outdoor carpeting for their tinplate/postwar layout and were very pleased.  They said the gray carpet base made the colors of all the accessories pop and not be blended or washed out by the typically used and traditional bright green paint/carpet base.  After thinking about what they described, I would agree that their use of the gray carpet would be more visually pleasing and provide a good background to highlight the vibrant colors of those accessories and trains.

I'm partial to Fastrack as well.  It holds up well, is easy to assemble, and I have rarely found an issue with the product.  FWIW, my FT also gets foot traffic and the occasional stomp from preoccupied teenagers.  No damage yet after 3 years.  

Fastrack is great.  Just don't underestimate the noise issue.  It will easily drown out the prime mover sounds of your loco (if the loco has them).