Lionel Track and Power

Thanks for posting this. It was interesting reading. 

Uh-oh! Better buy your tubular track fast!

Boy you aren't kidding on the tubular.  But it could be a Disney buy it before it goes back in the vault strategy.  Sure wish they would still make Super O

The end of an era if Lionel stops making tubular track.

Art

Fortunately I am good, have all I need. If this holds true, it certainly is the end of a part of our O-Gauge history of this versitale track.

I love the traditional look of Lionel tubular.  That's why I'll build my railroad with it.

Thing is, I will use the new Ross tinplate switches where I need them, as I have

read too many horror stories about the Lionel product.  Why, after all these decades,

have they not made their switches bulletproof?  Ross makes a magnificent product, I

know that; but with a century of production, one would think Lionel would have ironed

out all the bugs.  I would gladly have used Lionel switches to complete the system,

but I'm a-scared .  .  .  .  .

     Hoppy

Thanks for posting RickO. 

I didn't see any pricing? Did I miss it?

There is no announcement that the tubular track is being discontinued, but the "limited supply" sure sounds that way. Oh well, I'm not ever using anything else other than 027 track.

But I also guess I can see the logic behind the decision, since FasTrack now comes with all sets. I don't like FasTrack because it isn't as small layout flexible... the big roadbed is a space killer. Though at least they now have 031 FasTrack. But it is very floor layout friendly, and I have been surprised over the years seeing how many layouts use FasTrack. It's been a bigger hit than I originally thought it would be.

So the writing was on the wall. Well, here's an opportunity for WBB to expand their tubular track line. If they did a run of the former K-Line remodeled 027 switches, maybe this wouldn't be such bad news after all.

Ironically had their humble origins in making 027 track.

There were no prices in the catalog and I noticed the cataloged is dated 2014-2015 so maybe it is intended to be a two-year product catalog. And when have Lionel's list prices remained the same from year to year? Increased production costs = increased list.

Volkswagen eventually stopped making the original Beetle, too.  

Thanks for heads up Rick. I think I like the separate catalog approach. Nice to see some layout plans included, too. Easy read and attractive.

Thanks for posting Rick.  Nice catalog.  Very detailed and organized.  A lot of information contained in just this catalog.  I like the idea of separation for catalogs also.  I believe Lionel and Mike R. have done a nice job on this one.

Steve, Lady and Tex

I agree on both!  Having track plans is a hugh plus because Fastrack is a bit unforgiving and you need to be exact in your track selection.

The roadbed a space killer?!?  That almost makes me wonder what kind of trackplan you currently have on your layout; are you taking loops of track & sidings and putting them parallel to each other by butting their ties up against each other?

I am not worried about tubular track sales from Lionel, as I have my supply for now and know where to buy more tubular track. Like one or two others mentioned it could be a tactic to get people to buy up the remaining supply of Lionel tubular track, and then a few years later bring it back.

Lee Fritz

I think the best example of this is the fact that an O-31 Fastrack loop doesn't fit inside an O-36 loop.   It is interesting that an MTH Realtrax O-31 loop DOES fit inside a Fastrack O-36 loop.  Just doesn't look that good.

I have 2 places on my layout where there is a small trolley/handcar loop inside an O-36 loop and it works well (using Realtrax)... would look better if the trolley loop was Fastrack, like the rest of my layout.

Perhaps O-27 Fastrack curves would make the world a better place!

Ed

Rick O,

   Thanks for the info, I did not know about the FasTrack sensor track, will definitely pick one up in the near future, appreciate the knowledge Rick!

PCRR/Dave

Because there's no abundance of tubular track.  Said no one looking under the tables at a train show/meet ever.

Sounds funny but the thing I liked most about this catalog was the cover. I like how they finally went back to a simple live action shot of actual trains on a layout. It's a refreshing break from all the heavy Photoshop and concept art on the covers. Sort of reminds me of the 80s catalogs. Would be nice if the others follow suit!

Looks like the Fastrack Modules are not getting much play.    No reference to part numbers or prices, just a link to plans. 

It also looks like they updated the LCS diagram to indicate the the TrackLink signal is RF

Website LCS Diagram

Catalog LCS Diagram Legend

I too have noticed there are no prices given for anything in this catalog.

For now I will buy only tubular track as it can be cut easier and made to fit better then Fastrack. Also tubular track stays cleaner for me and works better electrically as I tried Fastrack about three years ago and have sworn off of using the Lion's turd(a.k.a. FAstrack)!!!

Lee Fritz

As a postwar/conventional enthusiast, I have stockpiled quite a bit of Lionel tubular track since that's all I use now. And as others have hinted, it's likely to still be available if you know where to look.

As for tubular track, my observation and take on this is Lionel is concentrating a lot of their effort into the "high tech" side of this hobby.  Example bing the WiFi system and available support apps.  Allowing 3rd party companies access to Legacy for their locomotives.  

Only one opinion here.  You don't have to bash something just because you don't like it.  I have used FasTrack on my layout for years and it is great.  I have constructed small layouts for various functions and FasTrack works out super.  Type of track one uses is a matter of personal preference and we should be glad that there is a variety for us to choose from. 

Steve, Lady and Tex

Lionel is commited to making tubular track and has everything still on the order form. BUT it's days are numbered as we sell so little of it anymore.

I'm excited by the correction of a long term error.

From the first catalog showing Fastrack O36 Right-Hand turnouts, they have only used a "flipped negative" of a picture of a LH turnout.

This is no big deal, just fun (and weird of me) to notice.  You may have to think for a bit to realize how you can tell a mirrored image of Fastrack from a regular one.

An other error in the track section persists.  They show an O60 and an O72 turnout using the same image (it's an O72).

  --Joe

Steve,

I don't just give an opinion unless I have tried a new track system. I have been around Lionel trains for over 45 years, so I might be a bit biased about a new track system but I have given it a try.

I have tried Lionel's Fastrack for a couple months with a 3 foot by 9 nine foot layout, I added some half curves and that made things very tricky to work with as I wanted to do a small dog leg type thing with the Fastrack. Maybe I didn't read all the instructions for Fastrack and setting up a layout but I have been doing O gauge layouts for almost 30 years and Fastrack was the worst track to do any kind of freelance track layout with. And the track got dirty very quickly compared to tubular track, I was only using a set of Interurban passenger cars with it, so no dirt from a smoke unit.

Lee Fritz

Warning p.24-5 :

There will be layouts flopping off of 4'x8' boards if the suggested layouts are tried.

If they meant to suggest the new O31 Fastrack, rather than the listed O36, some of the layouts will fit better.

(I didn't measure the next two pages, but the reverse loops on p.27 seem to use more pieces than necessary.)

  --jcr

The reason could be the fact that the "seasoned" operator/collectors bought cases of the USA product. I'm guilty of doing so. The fact is I still have more on hand than I'll ever use.

Another reason could be the fact that the MTH/Lionel product is terrible. The newbies are searching for the real deal. IMHO Let's not get started on the modern era switches..LOL

My biggest  peeve with FasTrack is they don't make an adjustable version. Kato makes an adjustable version of their Unitrack in N scale. It's great when you need to fill a gap that is a little too long or too short for one of the stock sections. Unitrack is identical in concept to FasTrack (though better executed IMO) so there's no reason Lionel couldn't do something similar.

My other wish is for a smaller uncoupling track. Atlas uncoupling sections are less than 2" whereas the FasTrack is a full 5" section. 

They also need to fix the lighted bumpers. Plenty of forum posts and how stupendously unreliable these things are! It's despicable that Lionel continues to sell them knowing how shoddy they are. 

Upside is the FasTrack switches are incredibly reliable and I love the look of the switch levers. 

Tubular track never had any appeal for me since it's before my time. I can see how there's a strong nostalgic attachment for it. 

My biggest  peeve with FasTrack is they don't make an adjustable version.

They do have the "Expansion Paste" 6-"What is that number"?

Very near the top of my list as well.  I know it's possible to cut your own with some effort, but much more work involved than tubular.

I can't believe the official company recommendation for a somewhat simple configuration is to use no less than 16 fitters (boxed in red on the below screenshot) to make it work. (just counting the large series of 8 on each lower leg - the few needed in the top half don't concern me terribly)   

There has to be a few other larger pieces they could produce to lessen the need for so many small pieces.

On a different note, I'm curious why for the O36 O31 FT, they decided to offer 1/4 curves, but no 1/2 curves.  (I'll ignore the typo that says a normal O36 O31 piece is 15 degrees, which would only add up to 1/3 of a circle for 8 pieces )

-Dave

I can see why they'd want you to use 16 fitters: MONEY!!

I can live with FasTrack not being easy to cut, if you want that sort of flexibility you'd be way better off with Atlas, Ross, etc. I do think they could do a better job with the selection of fitter tracks. I've spent a ton of time fiddling with layouts in SCARM and I'll often make the same layout using FasTrack and Atlas and every single time the FasTrack version requires more pieces. 

I really do think Lionel would be well served by looking at what Kato have done with Unitrack. Similar concept, far superior execution. Attaching a switch in Unitrack involves plugging one end of a wire into the track and the other end into the switch lever. Easy, no tools required and the plug only fits one way - exactly as it should be for a track designed for temporary/floor layouts. Installing FasTrack switchs OTOH requires a small tipped screwdriver and undoing at least 4 screws and dealing with loose wire ends that are not clearly labeled. Not nearly as user friendly and much more time consuming. The connectors on Unitrack are also more positive and solid than the connectors on FasTrack. 

Well I'm glad to see it's not just me with my "tubular track mentality" that has problems with FasTrak geometry!

6-OU812

no the Part Number is 6-ID10T But I can't find it on there site

they make 1/2 curves I have one 6-12022

Oops!  Made my own typo referring to the typo!  I meant the new O31, 6-81662, not The O36.

-Dave

When Mike R popped into the local toy train shop last Saturday one of the discussions was on tubular track.  Per Mike R it is at least in foreseeable future not being phased out.  Problem is that with low yearly production quantities no one wants to make such quantities.  Mike stated Lionel is going to have a multiple year (X years) production, based on projections for said period.  So this amount will have to hold for a period X.  Then they will look at another cycle.

That is why the wording of limited.