Everyone will please note that I did qualify my use of the term lie and that its use was in fact somewhat tongue in cheek. I really like the crew at my LHS. I was somewhat surprised by the unanimity of your responses, especially about track cleaning cars. I thank you all.
Your LHS is spot-on, however, opinions are like a**-holes, everybody has one.
I was actually surprised to see my Fastrack walk a little. Usually when running an old conventional engine full speed and right at the transition from a curves to long straight. Just enough to make me nervous because it is close to an edge. One well placed # 4 wood screw was just enough to make me feel better.
And the track had not been taken apart often but the joint was a little sloppy. I have also noticed that the top of the rail profile varies on the Fastrack from almost crowned to perfectly flat.
Also curious about the Seuthe smoke because I have one caboose with instructions that says to use it exclusively. And it came with a tiny plastic tube long since used.
FMH.
I agree basically with #1 and #3, but don't use the track. Track cleaning cars are worth it if you make your own, i.e. cheaper. If you clean your track before you lay it really well with your favorite solvent (I like denatured alcohol) and a soft cloth like an old tee shirt, a track cleaning car run dry thereafter should clean your track well enough for good electrical contact. This has worked for me.
.....
Dennis
I agree with all three statements!
I agree with all three statements and here is why; 1- my son and I have been building Fast Tack floor layouts from when it first hit the market and never once did it come apart. Also, if you screw it into wood it will make more noise, but that is true with all track systems.
2- I have used almost allmanufactures smoke in my fan driven units with no bad results.
3- As far as track cleaning cars go, of course doing it by hand is far more effective. But, watching them do the work is alot more fun. 
Originally Posted by Jim M:
Everyone will please note that I did qualify my use of the term lie and that its use was in fact somewhat tongue in cheek.
Yes you did. Sorry, I didn't notice that.
No biggie - this is all in fun. Thanks!
Re: the track cleaning cars. After Ace posted photos of his creations, and another poster followed up, I did likewise. I created one in O-gauge from a Marx tin 8-wheel caboose, and one in S-gauge from an AF hopper. It is astounding how much black gunk they pick up. I agree with Ace and others that they should be used frequently. It seems to me that that will be all that is needed for electrical conductivity, although the rails wouldn't pass the white glove test.
