Considered using Fastrack for my layout, but it only goes down to O31 and I needed O27 to make the track plan work for the space I have. Another downside was cost, as not counting switches or other special sections, Fastrack was about $5 to $7 a section, while new old stock O27 tubular was just $1 per section. It's also much easier to cut filler sections and to make insulated sections to trip accessories with tubular. On a purely personal level, I like the classic look of tubular track, makes a very retro looking layout.
Always had trouble with MTH realtrax. The copper connectors under the track tend to bend easily and tarnish especially under repeated use. The fast track has more solid pin connections. I have been using fastrack in my subway for over ten years
I fought with realtrax for over 15 years. The old solid T rail, the newer tubular rail, 10 turnouts all purchased from 2006 to 2019. Hundreds of feet of it. I was always tracking down dead track spots. Even with the spring taps making perfect contact, the tabs were riveted to the bottom of the rail, and that is where the connectivity issue sometimes is. I would have to solder wire from tab to tab just to get the trains to move. The gaps touching wasn’t a design requirement, but it’s a redundant tie connection if the tabs aren’t working correctly. Tight seams also click less. The switches (042 and 054) almost all had the same sparking issue when a train passed through it. 50% of the time anything but a diesel would derail. I boxed it all up and gave it away. I know many people have had great luck with it, but for some reason it couldn’t have been much worse for me. I kept trying to like it since I was so heavily invested.
I've used both and for my layout, I went with MTH RealTrax. It is more realistic in scale and detail than FasTrack. I've had no issues with the MTH rail joiners, but did have issues with FasTrack ones. The bottom line is both systems are good, but MTH looks and performs better in my opinion.
I went from the old tubular Lionel O gauge to Fast Trak and discovered a problem of connectivity. When setting up trains with my grand daughter (six at the time) , there were sections of fast trak that simply would not easily join together, especially when we bought additional fastrak to augment track that came with our Christmas set. A result was that current did not pass tbrough easily. In some cases I was able to press together sections of fastrak but a child would not be able to do this. Fast trak is also ridiculously expensive and its bed is not all that realistic. For my own layout, I came upon a large supply of the old KLine shadow rail (not very available now) and I got rid of my fasttrak.
I've had poor connections with Fastrack....and if it's not screwed down, more often than not it doesn't lay flat. This was on a very small layout. As my layout grew, I switched to Atlas O. Yes...it's more expensive but quiet, great connections and looks great. Never tried Realtrax. Thanks for the video !
Both of those track systems are 100% pure garbage quality. I remember when I used to use fast track. It was a pain in the circuit to work with because the track always got dirty Plus, it was so noisy. I couldn’t stand the noise of the track and it also had the worst electricity flow sometimes never used MTH real track. I was going to use it one time it’s more difficult to work with MTH real track. So basically the only better track would be Lionel tubular track, atlas and Gar Graves. They have a way better, electricity flow and they’re not more annoying compared to fast track and it’s not as difficult to work with like MTH real track.
With the RealTrax section, the gap between the rails is irrelevant, as that is not electricity is conducted between sections. Electricity is conducted via the brass loop-like connections between the sections. If these have connectivity issues, you will end up with dead sections as you demonstrated. This is easy to fix with a pair of needle nose pliers. Fastrack does not melt if you keep your voltage below 20.
I would measure the electrical resistance of the pure track and between two track sections. Testing two different locos each on a (very short) piece of track does not mean anything. And what is about corrosion, which one is more prone to it? Märklin does not have track joiners as well in its "C-track" (C-Gleis) which seems to work fine, but they are welding the sectional contacts to the tracks made of steel. Many model railroaders make large spontaneous layouts with only one power connection not having any problems.
I have several sections of FastTrack and my gripe with it is, it rust super easy, the metal tabs connecting the track either breaks or gets stuck in the other track, I have never owned Realtrack, however a friend of mine does. He has zero issues and personally I think it looks much better then the FastTrack.
This is why I switched to Atlas 3-rail O. I started with Tubular, then FasTrack, then RealTrax. FasTrack does start to rust over time and RealTrax does start to wear over time. I use FasTrack for my Lionel Christmas tree sets and I use RealTrax for my shelving. Atlas 3-rail O is a bit pricy, but it’s so worth it. It’s the most realistic 3-rail O-gauge track out there.
I absolutely hate Lionel Fastrack. We just tore down our Layout down and are rebuilding a new one. Definitely be using MTH Track. I've never had an issue with it other than cleaning it. MTH Transformers are way better to.
Modern equipment is not a problem with Fastrack. They run on prototypical speeds and have great sounds. For connections to Fastrack I recommend soldering.
I find fastrack and realtrax are fine for Christmas setups around the tree on rugs. Although you have to put up with the noise. But tubular track works best for layouts. Especially the Menards track which comes in many radius turns, and is dirt cheap.
I have not had my connections melt when connected to my 180 wt power “brick”. I run it strait to the track at 100% power all the time as I was waiting for the 180 wt transformers to come in. It limited me to the newer engines, this case it was the UP Veranda, and I have not had a problem yet. Noise isn’t an issue as it is a temporary layout around the tree or really around the room. I jump the connectors in three places to make sure there are no dead spots. I like it as the engine does not touch the carpet (the roadbed has caught screws that have fallen off the engine/rolling stock, there is no cutting involved, it comes together/apart pretty easily, and it does not look bad to me. Downsides, it doesn’t look good as a system with wooden rails, my 1950 Santa Fe sparks when it goes through the switches, the coil couplers will uncouple every few times over the switches, and the pins are breaking, especially on my O72 curved pieces. This topic is fun as there is a lot of passion over what track to use.
I love FastTrak and only use that. Never had an issue with not connecting them nor melting plastic. Use the appropriate transformers. These track allow your trains' magnetic wheels to grab the track.
O guage and O 27 track are still the best track out their. proven to work. not as fancy. [with railroad tyes ] but you cant' beat the price. and the performance. easy to cut and make your own fitting track. can do so much more with them. that you cant' do with the others. I have mike's and fastrack. O guage and o27. but mainly use all o27 track. with all different radius. and it won't break the bank. easy to use with accessories. and switch's. that don't cost an arm and a leg with the fastrack it's a special track for this and that. and quite pricey for a piece of plastic.................. just sayin............
Hi, nice video but I have been using FasTrack for a while & I sometimes have problems, I do run my trains on the floor (carpet) so that's cool, I was thinking about switching over to that MTH Realtrax, do you know if anybody has had any problems with MTH Realtrax??
LIONEL Fastrack is definitely great to use ! Power supply is no issue with each section of track having 110 spade connectors ready for your drop down to your power bus lines. All predrilled ready to screw down to your layout.
I have used both. If connected to a layout you will find the Realtrax will last longer and that is due to the metal they used. The Lionel Fastrack does rust over time. The track clips on the Realtrax track clips can bend if taken apart and reused multiple times and can lose connectivity. If you are going to be taking it apart and putting it back together multiple times (like a seasonal layout) Lionel should be your first choice unless you are going to store it in a non-climate controlled environment like an attic or a outside storage buildings. If the track is going to be exposed in storage Realtrax would be a better choice. Just make sure your clips are connected correctly under the track. However Realtrax is not currently being manufactured and you may find it difficult to find the pieces you need.
This is a neat video. I like how you covered multiple characteristics of both tracks. I personally only have Fastrak, and find no power issues when power-pick ups are no more than 4 feet apart (closer together by switches). Nice job.
How many thousands of miles of traditional O track where made over the decades...idk....I'm happy with my traditional track and my O22 switches that where made in America. Not a fan of the plastic bedded tracks. I have 7 or 8 pairs of O22's that I been waiting to build a nice layout and put to use
Having used Realtrax on a seasonal layout for about a dozen years, I switched to Fastrack in 2020. Because of the way the track sections connects I have had none of the issues with Fastrack that I did with Realtrax.
Considered using Fastrack for my layout, but it only goes down to O31 and I needed O27 to make the track plan work for the space I have. Another downside was cost, as not counting switches or other special sections, Fastrack was about $5 to $7 a section, while new old stock O27 tubular was just $1 per section. It's also much easier to cut filler sections and to make insulated sections to trip accessories with tubular.
On a purely personal level, I like the classic look of tubular track, makes a very retro looking layout.
Always had trouble with MTH realtrax. The copper connectors under the track tend to bend easily and tarnish especially under repeated use. The fast track has more solid pin connections. I have been using fastrack in my subway for over ten years
Almost watched that locomotive fall off the edge of the table
Tell me about it. Thank goodness it’s much easier then driving a car
I fought with realtrax for over 15 years. The old solid T rail, the newer tubular rail, 10 turnouts all purchased from 2006 to 2019. Hundreds of feet of it. I was always tracking down dead track spots. Even with the spring taps making perfect contact, the tabs were riveted to the bottom of the rail, and that is where the connectivity issue sometimes is. I would have to solder wire from tab to tab just to get the trains to move. The gaps touching wasn’t a design requirement, but it’s a redundant tie connection if the tabs aren’t working correctly. Tight seams also click less. The switches (042 and 054) almost all had the same sparking issue when a train passed through it. 50% of the time anything but a diesel would derail. I boxed it all up and gave it away. I know many people have had great luck with it, but for some reason it couldn’t have been much worse for me. I kept trying to like it since I was so heavily invested.
That’s pretty deep there man.
Bummer, you sound credible here.
???
I've used both and for my layout, I went with MTH RealTrax. It is more realistic in scale and detail than FasTrack. I've had no issues with the MTH rail joiners, but did have issues with FasTrack ones. The bottom line is both systems are good, but MTH looks and performs better in my opinion.
I have the Real Tracks from MTH...and so far no problems
☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️
I went from the old tubular Lionel O gauge to Fast Trak and discovered a problem of connectivity. When setting up trains with my grand daughter (six at the time) , there were sections of fast trak that simply would not easily join together, especially when we bought additional fastrak to augment track that came with our Christmas set. A result was that current did not pass tbrough easily. In some cases I was able to press together sections of fastrak but a child would not be able to do this. Fast trak is also ridiculously expensive and its bed is not all that realistic. For my own layout, I came upon a large supply of the old KLine shadow rail (not very available now) and I got rid of my fasttrak.
Nice vid have you ever tried any Williams by bachmann ez track or no? I never even tried it before though. Btw that’s a cool t shirt your wearing!
I've had poor connections with Fastrack....and if it's not screwed down, more often than not it doesn't lay flat. This was on a very small layout. As my layout grew, I switched to Atlas O. Yes...it's more expensive but quiet, great connections and looks great. Never tried Realtrax.
Thanks for the video !
Thanks for tuning in
Good video. Thanks for sharing. I prefer tubular track myself, but I grew up with it.
I have yet to commit to any track yet. But all the train guys seem to use the old style 3 rail, opinions ?????
Which do you consider your least favorite track systems tho?
Love that shirt bro! I have one just like it! Great video as always!!!!
Thanks dude! So what track systems here do you consider the worst track system?
@@railchief74 YW. MTH track I was never a fan of.
I’m also a Lionel guys no matter what track they make. Except for how fastrack is made
Both of those track systems are 100% pure garbage quality. I remember when I used to use fast track. It was a pain in the circuit to work with because the track always got dirty Plus, it was so noisy. I couldn’t stand the noise of the track and it also had the worst electricity flow sometimes never used MTH real track. I was going to use it one time it’s more difficult to work with MTH real track. So basically the only better track would be Lionel tubular track, atlas and Gar Graves. They have a way better, electricity flow and they’re not more annoying compared to fast track and it’s not as difficult to work with like MTH real track.
With the RealTrax section, the gap between the rails is irrelevant, as that is not electricity is conducted between sections. Electricity is conducted via the brass loop-like connections between the sections. If these have connectivity issues, you will end up with dead sections as you demonstrated. This is easy to fix with a pair of needle nose pliers.
Fastrack does not melt if you keep your voltage below 20.
So which do you think is the worst track?
How much pwr are you supplying to melt track plastic. I use Fastrack at 18volts and never had an issue?
I use my postwar ZW
I would measure the electrical resistance of the pure track and between two track sections. Testing two different locos each on a (very short) piece of track does not mean anything. And what is about corrosion, which one is more prone to it?
Märklin does not have track joiners as well in its "C-track" (C-Gleis) which seems to work fine, but they are welding the sectional contacts to the tracks made of steel. Many model railroaders make large spontaneous layouts with only one power connection not having any problems.
I have several sections of FastTrack and my gripe with it is, it rust super easy, the metal tabs connecting the track either breaks or gets stuck in the other track, I have never owned Realtrack, however a friend of mine does. He has zero issues and personally I think it looks much better then the FastTrack.
I haven’t had a problem with rust but those tabs do break easily from my limited experience.
This is why I switched to Atlas 3-rail O. I started with Tubular, then FasTrack, then RealTrax. FasTrack does start to rust over time and RealTrax does start to wear over time. I use FasTrack for my Lionel Christmas tree sets and I use RealTrax for my shelving. Atlas 3-rail O is a bit pricy, but it’s so worth it. It’s the most realistic 3-rail O-gauge track out there.
The fastrack was too noisy for me. I prefer Atlas 3-rail track too
I absolutely hate Lionel Fastrack. We just tore down our Layout down and are rebuilding a new one. Definitely be using MTH Track. I've never had an issue with it other than cleaning it. MTH Transformers are way better to.
I’ll have to make a video on the modern day transformers next
Modern equipment is not a problem with Fastrack. They run on prototypical speeds and have great sounds. For connections to Fastrack I recommend soldering.
I find fastrack and realtrax are fine for Christmas setups around the tree on rugs. Although you have to put up with the noise. But tubular track works best for layouts. Especially the Menards track which comes in many radius turns, and is dirt cheap.
I have not had my connections melt when connected to my 180 wt power “brick”. I run it strait to the track at 100% power all the time as I was waiting for the 180 wt transformers to come in. It limited me to the newer engines, this case it was the UP Veranda, and I have not had a problem yet. Noise isn’t an issue as it is a temporary layout around the tree or really around the room. I jump the connectors in three places to make sure there are no dead spots. I like it as the engine does not touch the carpet (the roadbed has caught screws that have fallen off the engine/rolling stock, there is no cutting involved, it comes together/apart pretty easily, and it does not look bad to me. Downsides, it doesn’t look good as a system with wooden rails, my 1950 Santa Fe sparks when it goes through the switches, the coil couplers will uncouple every few times over the switches, and the pins are breaking, especially on my O72 curved pieces. This topic is fun as there is a lot of passion over what track to use.
I always stick to gargraves and always happy with it.Have a fun day.
I understand. But what track system do you consider to be the worst?
@@railchief74 The lionel FastTrack is on the bottom of my list.
That’s understandable
I love FastTrak and only use that. Never had an issue with not connecting them nor melting plastic. Use the appropriate transformers. These track allow your trains' magnetic wheels to grab the track.
I started out with MTH Realtrax on my first layout, then switched to Lionel Fastrack, then I switched back to Realtrax.
What’s your least favorite track out of the two I showed
@@railchief74 I completely dislike Fastrack now. Unlike Fastrack, MTH Realtrax doesn’t rust.
That’s fair
The biggest track system FAILURE was TruTrack by Lionel - 1973-4. The BEST track system of all time for 3-Rail is Gargraves.
O guage and O 27 track are still the best track out their. proven to work. not as fancy. [with railroad tyes ] but you cant' beat the price. and the performance. easy to cut and make your own fitting track. can do so much more with them. that you cant' do with the others. I have mike's and fastrack. O guage and o27. but mainly use all o27 track. with all different radius. and it won't break the bank. easy to use with accessories. and switch's. that don't cost an arm and a leg with the fastrack it's a special track for this and that. and quite pricey for a piece of plastic.................. just sayin............
Hi, nice video but I have been using FasTrack for a while & I sometimes have problems, I do run my trains on the floor (carpet) so that's cool, I was thinking about switching over to that MTH Realtrax, do you know if anybody has had any problems with MTH Realtrax??
To me the Realtrax system are like batteries. The don’t last very long until you modify them to work better
@@railchief74 Ah ok, thanks
LIONEL Fastrack is definitely great to use ! Power supply is no issue with each section of track having 110 spade connectors ready for your drop down to your power bus lines. All predrilled ready to screw down to your layout.
Honestly I like the original Lionel track better
I have used both. If connected to a layout you will find the Realtrax will last longer and that is due to the metal they used. The Lionel Fastrack does rust over time. The track clips on the Realtrax track clips can bend if taken apart and reused multiple times and can lose connectivity. If you are going to be taking it apart and putting it back together multiple times (like a seasonal layout) Lionel should be your first choice unless you are going to store it in a non-climate controlled environment like an attic or a outside storage buildings. If the track is going to be exposed in storage Realtrax would be a better choice. Just make sure your clips are connected correctly under the track. However Realtrax is not currently being manufactured and you may find it difficult to find the pieces you need.
This is a neat video. I like how you covered multiple characteristics of both tracks. I personally only have Fastrak, and find no power issues when power-pick ups are no more than 4 feet apart (closer together by switches). Nice job.
Thanks for tuning in to my video matt! Hope you enjoyed it
The Chinese need to make the rails magnetic lol
They probably haven’t seen or heard of magnetic track at all.
How many thousands of miles of traditional O track where made over the decades...idk....I'm happy with my traditional track and my O22 switches that where made in America. Not a fan of the plastic bedded tracks. I have 7 or 8 pairs of O22's that I been waiting to build a nice layout and put to use
@@keystonecountryboy I still have my dads 022 switches
Never will I use tubular track again. Had so many problems with it.
Thanks
FasTrak is expensive and unrealistic looking it is just sheer crap I have used realtrac on an outside layout in Florida no problems
im struggling with mth track, losing power to sections constantly and the plastic in awful terribly brittle after time
Having used Realtrax on a seasonal layout for about a dozen years, I switched to Fastrack in 2020. Because of the way the track sections connects I have had none of the issues with Fastrack that I did with Realtrax.
I first started with mth real track and had so many promblem and it wouldn't work so I switch to all lionel fastrack and it work so prefect
Not every track system is everyone’s cup of tea
@@railchief74 what track to you like using
I use Lionel tubular and Atles track
@@railchief74 cool same here I love atlas track I heard good stuff about it
I really like fastrack but not their switch track
I use fastrack switches and I don’t seem to have a problem with it
I feel that the test that you made between the two types of tracks ,were invalid because you fail to use the same locomotive on both track lines.
Get out