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"Professional grade" Lionel Fastrack?

c.samc.samOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I'm a big fan of ScaleTrax but can't help noticing that many of you with 'real' layouts of considerable size are using Fastrack. Some look better than others with nice ballasting effects but to me, the big drawback is the appearance of the rails themselves with their non-'T' shape and full-sized shiny center rail.

Would it be possible for Lionel to use the same concept and existing roadbed but incorporate more 'scale-looking' outer rails and a narrow (Super O) center strip resulting in a track system with the best of both worlds? Seems simple enough and I would venture a guess that it would quickly become a better seller with operators who want more than a starter set look.

What do you guys think?
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MichRR714MichRR714OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I use Fastrack on my permanent layout. I've washed the roadbed with a dark color and am also doing some ballasting. I am not horrified by the look of the roadbed to begin with however. For some folks I think the plastic roadbed is a non-starter. Given that I'd rather see Lionel expand Fastrack offering some curved switches, and other items rather than change the existing product or offering a "professional product."
Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
quote:
What do you guys think?

I think it would certainly be fine, but I also believe that it will almost certainly never happen. I just think that the project would be cost prohibitive.

I'm using FasTrack on both of my home layouts now, but am probably going to convert the larger layout to ScaleTrax at some point in the coming year. I'm not at all adverse to laying roadbed and ballasting track to give it the most realistic appearance possible.
JumijoJumijoOGR Forum Member
Although it's possible to do so, I doubt if Lionel will, Sam. FasTrack is hugely popular the way it is, so I don't see Lionel changing anything that is making them so much money. Some train company, maybe Atlas, came out with a track system similar to FasTrack, but with more realistic rails. It's not as popular as FasTrack, so there ya go.

I use FasTrack on my layout and have weathered the ballast and painted the rails. But the shape of the rails doesn't upset me. I'm not that hung up on realism. If I was, I'd have a 2 rail layout.
Len2Len2OGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by Strogey:
My wish is that someone would make a track of this style in the smaller 027 diameter curves. When dealing with a 4'x8' layout space, the 027 allows so much more diverity. I had all Fastrack before and loved it but I decided to remove it since my options as far as the layout were so few.


The Atlas-O "21st Century" track system has O-27 curves, with larger sizes incrementing in 9in increments, e.g., O-36, O-45, O-54, etc., out to some totally rediculous size like O-120.

So, in theory, you could get three loops (O-27, O-36, & O-45) on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Although the O-45 loop will come awfully close to the edge. It'd probably be better to stick with O-27 and O-36.

Oh, the Atlas-O sizes are measured center rail to center rail. So an O-27 loop is actually closer to O-28.25 compared to traditional tubular O-27 track.
Jim PolicastroJim PolicastroOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
I think most people interested in realistic-looking track would want more control over the final appearance of the ballast than is possible in any track with built-in plastic roadbed.

Adding realistic ballast or changing ballast color can be done, but is too difficult with molded roadbed track. It would be easier just to start with GarGraves, Atlas, etc. in the beginning.

Besides, there are too many places on the layout where you don't want that high ballast profile. Industrial spurs really do look silly with the molded roadbed. It can be hidden, but, again, more effort than it's worth. Smile

Jim
LyinelLyinelOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Good points Jim, hadn't considered the industrial sidings! Most are overgown and barely at ground level.

I like fastrack as it is, although I did take the tip and apply a black wash to the plastic. Really brings out the texture. I also rusted the rails as well to reduce some of the silver look.

And agree, for my main lines I used gargraves with rubber ballast. Much more realistic.

In the end, comes down to what your needs really are.
c.samc.samOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Guess I'm thinking that Lionel could leave the base of the track the same as this seems to be where the superb engineering has paid off and simply (?) change the rails to something more prototypical. I've read a couple times here and in a magazine that Niel Young has long wanted to bring back Super O and perhaps it could be done with Fastrack technology!
"Super Fast O" perhaps?
david1david1OGR Forum Member
I like the look and performance of fastrack. They have the best switches available in a ready to run track system. The track can be made to look more realistic but if modeling track is your thing then it would be best to go with something else. Although i do like scaletrax from MTH the switches and lack of some track pieces it is not for everyone. Also the continuity of electricity can also be a problem.


Dave
jeremy ferrelljeremy ferrellOGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by MichRR714:
I use Fastrack on my permanent layout. I've washed the roadbed with a dark color and am also doing some ballasting. I am not horrified by the look of the roadbed to begin with however. For some folks I think the plastic roadbed is a non-starter. Given that I'd rather see Lionel expand Fastrack offering some curved switches, and other items rather than change the existing product or offering a "professional product."


couldn't agree more i want expansion not a redesign
TexSpecialTexSpecialOGR Forum Member
FasTrack is a great looking track in itself. I dyed my gray plastic with brown/black acrylic washes and it turned out looking good. I also ballast along side of the track and that blends the FasTrack roadbed into the layout. You can paint the center and outside rails with rust brown to minimize shine. I know many FasTrack users do this. FasTrack has been part of my perminant layout for almost 4 years now with NO problems at all.

The plus to Lionel FasTrack is the great electrical connection between track pieces, ease of wiring and their switcher are the best on the market, especially now with the new TMCC line. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

TEX
Steve
barrister.2ubarrister.2uOGR Forum Member
I tried both Atlas and Gargraves, then switched to Fast track. I run post-war, which does not run well on Atlas (except for the limited run of Atlas steel track). Gargraves was better, but too dark. Fast track is good for me, as I like to run trains and put the laps on and keep it simple. I also run a carpet central at Christmas and FT is the way to go in this regard. Best, Mark
Andy HummellAndy HummellOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
quote:
Originally posted by c.sam:
Guess I'm thinking that Lionel could leave the base of the track the same as this seems to be where the superb engineering has paid off and simply (?) change the rails to something more prototypical. I've read a couple times here and in a magazine that Niel Young has long wanted to bring back Super O and perhaps it could be done with Fastrack technology!
"Super Fast O" perhaps?


A number of years ago, the gentleman who designed FasTrack wrote about his experiences in designing the system. He mentioned at the end of the article that he had done some preliminary design work on a "Super O FasTrack" system that would have had some of the best features of Super O combined with some of the better features of FasTrack. Unfortunately, Lionel was of the opinion that the market just wouldn't support another track system, and that the risk just wasn't worth the costs of new tooling. While I think it would have been cool, I tend to agree that it wasn't a wise move in a good economy, let alone the one we have now.

Andy
B BalshisOGR Forum Member
quote:
If you ever saw the black center rail FasTrack you will know why they went shiny. A narrower center rail might work but the current one looks pretty good


I agree on that. I'm satisfied with FasTrack the way it is, but a narrower center rail would improve it considerably. It could even be done in such a way as to be compatible with current FasTrack.

Will Lionel do this? Probably not. But it would be nice.
Gilly@N&WGilly@N&WOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
I would like 084 Turnouts and perhaps 084/072 or 072/060 curved turnouts. Other than that, it's a pretty well developed offering.

Give me a Floquil pen for weathering the sides of the rails, spray adhesive on the edges w/ ballasting, and an India ink wash between the rails and I'm good to go.

I do appreciate all of the discussion regarding the center rail. Leaving it silver for now...

Gilly
chuckchuckOGR Forum Member
The track was designed to be used for FLOOR layouts. The tubular aspect was designed in on purpose so the track is able to withstand being stomped on. True solid rail would be expensive and sacrifice the interlocking feature tubular allows. Making the stamped steel in the "I" format like Gargraves and Industrial Rail would not be as sturdy as to regards to stomping around.
T1 JoeT1 JoeOGR Forum Member
I have bought two Lionel RTR sets with Fastrack in them. The connectivity is great! The ties look awesome. The three bright shinney rails are fine. I think the light gray color of the ballast is too light, and so I agree with those who are black washing it. It is very good and stable for carpet layouts and protects the carpet from oil and grease stains, but as has been stated so often: it is deafeningly loud, and prohibits the possibility of conversations while the train is running. Has anyone tried to fill the underside (the hollow resonating part) with chaulk or silicon? I thought that might deaden the sound a little.
Gandalf97Gandalf97OGR Forum Member
quote:
Originally posted by T1 Joe:
...It is very good and stable for carpet layouts and protects the carpet from oil and grease stains, but as has been stated so often: it is deafeningly loud, and prohibits the possibility of conversations while the train is running...


You try to have conversations while running your trains? How to you hear the whistles and horns over all that chatter??? Big Grin Seriously though, I haven't had this problem, especially when running on carpet.
TMackTMackOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Just an observation from a guy who has not as much experience. No matter how hard you try to hide the 3rd rail, it is still there. Silver, black, green or purple it is still there. The 3rd rail just is not an issue for me.


My layouts are not permanent so Fastrack works great. Connections are snug and the track stays together. I have kids and it is great for kids since it stays together after set up.
falconservicefalconserviceOGR Forum Member
American Flyer S Gauge FasTrak has solid rails.

http://lionelllc.wordpress.com...ican-flyer-fastrack/

The new track system features a rugged plastic base with very realistic molded ties and ballast profiles. The solid metal rails have a correct “T” cross-section. Locking connectors on the base secure sections firmly and the rails are joined by small joiners similar to what you’ll find commonly on HO and smaller scales. (No more metal pins and hollow tubes.)

Why is there not a Solid Rail O gauge FasTrak as well?

If they can make anything, they can make all gauges solid rail.

Andrew
Allan MillerAllan MillerOGR Editor-in-Chief SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
quote:
Why is there not a Solid Rail O gauge FasTrak as well?

Probably a matter of cost. FasTrack in its current configuration isn't exactly cheap, and going with solid rails would likely make it even more costly. Then, of course, some would complain about the prices (they have to have something to complain about).

Most hobbyists today are already rather heavily invested in one of the many 3-rail O gauge track systems already out there--FasTrack, RealTrax, ScaleTrax, Atlas, GarGraves, Ross, conventional tubular, etc. (not to mention earlier systems such as Super O and K-Line)--so there probably isn't much growth potential for a new line, at least not at this point in time and in light of market changes.
Big JimBig JimOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
quote:
If you ever saw the black center rail FasTrack you will know why they went shiny.

Amen to that!
The way the sides of the rail are so reflective seems to make the center rail less visable and tend to cloak the outer rails U-shape.

What I like most about the looks of FasTrack is the tie spacing. Much more realistic than the other brand's way too wide "narrow gauge-like" tie spacing.

For what FasTrack is intended to be, I like it. However, it would have been nice if the rail was more life-like.
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