Ive been spinning through the old Standard Gauge track posts on the forum. I really am not a fan of fast track. My parents have O gauge under their tree and I just think its obnoxiously loud. Im wondering if the STD track is just as loud. I do run my trains at slower speeds though. Im thinking USA track is the way to go, but looking at picture posts from everyones Christmas layouts, it looks like the vast majority are using RealTrax.
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If you run on carpet, the track with roadbed is a good option. Keeps the carpet from possibly getting soiled with locomotive droppings. It also will keep some of the junk out of the loco.
I am all about USA Track LLC, but I also like being married!
ARNO
Mate the USA track to Johnsons rubber roadbed.
Zett,
I do not recommend running directly over the carpet, as the carpet fibers will wind themselves around axles, and gears, and burn out the e-units. I know as I didthis when I got back into the hobby years ago. I cut a round out of 3/8 plywood and painted it x-mas tree green. We put the tree in the middle and the track towards the outer edge. one year we added some porcelain winter buildings, and added cotton batting on the inner circle. It worked out great! Just a thought...
JoeG
Mate the USA track to Johnsona rubber roadbed.
I have been using USA Standard Gauge Track and Rick Johnson's Rubber Roadbed on my Christmas Carpet Central for several years now. It looks good, runs silent and gives the Christmas layout that old time feel. We all have different views and perspectives on this issue but I'm glad I chose this method.
Zett,
Either use Lionel Conventional Tubular Track screwed down over white acoustic ceiling tile on 3/4 Ply or use the acoustic ceiling tile with the FasTrack screw down over some inside outside carpet, to eliminate all the sound problems. I would love to have a Tin Plate Standard Gauge Silver Presidential Train to run around my Christmas Tree, been wanting one for a very long time now. Watching one run, is one of my fondest memories. Space is the real problem in my case however.
PCRR/Dave
If you decide to go with tubular, get USA Track! It is far superior to current production "Lionel" Standard Gauge track, which is made in China. It is made of heavier gauge metal and the crimps are better. It costs about the same and it's made in USA by an independent small business. They will also cut custom length straights if you need them.
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