> I thought Fasttrack was suppose to be scale track based off the mainlines of
> the big railroads back east.
Rachael....
To start with, there is no such thing as "Fasttrack" (one word with two lower
case "T"s). So it is not possible to give you a meaningful answer unless I
made an assumption. There is Lionel's track system called FasTrack (one
capitalized "T") and there is also a system called Fast Tracks (two words).
I will assume you are talking about Lionel's FasTrack. If I guessed wrong,
just ask another question and we will try again.
Lionel's FastTrack is not compliant with the specifications of the NMRA or
NASG. Simply put, it is not scale track. It is non-scale track of the
American Flyer variety. Lionel's catalog does refer to it as scale track, but
Lionel's definition of scale is something that only applies to Lionel products
and not to the hobby at large.
In this instance, the Lionel definition of "scale" merely means products that
are more realistic than the old A.C.Gilbert S gauge trains of the past. No
more. No less. It only means the Lionel "scale" products are more realistic
than the A.C.Gilbert trains or their modern counterparts. Lionel's "scale" is
not compliant with NMRA/NASG specifications. It is just an upgraded version of
the A.C.Gilbert toy trains.
When in doubt about track or wheels, the best question to ask is: "Is this
product compliant with the NMRA/NASG specifications?" If the answer is "yes",
then you have a scale product. If the answer is "no", then you have a
non-scale product. If the answer is "I don't know", then you have a non-scale
product. The scale guys will always know a scale product is compliant with the
NMRA/NASG specifications. The Lionel guys only seem to know about Lionel
products and not much about the hobby at large.
> ...several people had suggested Fasttrack as a viable option because of their
> excellent turn outs.
Those people are referring to Fast Tracks (two words with two "t"s) which is a
totally different company from the FasTrack (one word with one "T") system
offered by Lionel. You have received confused/conflicting/semi-incorrect
advice because folks are guessing what you mean by the word "Fasttrack" which
is one word with two lower case "t"s. Gotta use the correct terminology or we
will go in circles forever. Adjust your spellchecker.
> At this point Fasttrack was the way I was leaning with scale wheels and DCC.
You are heading for disaster. Here is why: Lionel's FasTrack is not designed
for scale wheels. It is intended for AF and AF-compatible wheels. Going down
this path violates Rule #1: Do not mix the scale with the non-scale. Be
forewarned!
Another factor to consider is that Lionel's FasTrack switches are not available
and will not be available for a good long time. Well into 2013 before anyone
will see them. Did you really want to wait that long before beginning your
layout? If so, no problem. If you wanted something by this Chrismas, better
make another choice.
> But if Fasttrack isn't scale I have to start my figuring all over again.
Sorry about that, but it is time to start figuring all over.
> Can someone who uses Fasttrack way in on this discussion please.
Nobody has seen Lionel's FasTrack switches because they have not been made yet.
If all you want is an oval of track without any switches, then you have a
fighting chance to win the battle. Otherwise, it is time to surrender.
> Not sure if it matters but my eventual layout will be in a room slightly
> smaller than 300 sq ft.
Makes no difference the size of the room. You need to choose "scale" or
"AF-compatible" track for your layout. Once that decision is made, you should
buy engines and cars with the proper type of wheels to fit the track system of
your choice. It is as simple as that and do not let anyone make it more
complex for you.
I think your problem, in this instance, is you assumed Lionel's "scale" is
compatible with the NMRA/NASG's "scale". Unfortunately, the two are not
compatible. One is a more realistic tinplate-type track and the other complies
with NMRA/NASG specifications. Ya gotta pick one or the other and do not try
to mix the two. Unless you like frustration and disappointments.
Another option to consider is the MTH (former SHS) track system called S-Trax.
It is AF-compatible, but the switches are not "scale". The advantage of
S-Trax is that it will be on the market sooner than Lionel's FasTrack system.
Not sure which is better, but one is sooner and the other later.
> Thanks Rachel Covington
You are welcome. Good luck....Ed L.
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