I saw a recent post from Lionel on their fix to the fastrack straight sections having continuity problems. I had some of these that would actually buzz when power was applied. I guess there must be a bunch with loose pins. If anyone is building a layout with Fastrack like me you may want to tighten up the pins preemptively to prevent future problems.
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Very interesting. Thanks for posting.
That was informative. I like the tutorial on using the Fastback Expander Paste. That was also very informative. You can use it on any size or section of Fastrack.
Gene
I've had continuity issues with new fastrack 5" & 10" straight pieces. I've noticed it is usually accompanied with the rail not being properly seated between the plastic standoffs on the top of the roadbed. You'll notice the top of the rail a little higher than the rail on a another connected piece. My easy fix is to turn the track over bend open the corresponding tabs and press the rail all the way down to the roadbed between the standoffs before closing the tabs again.
Finally the word is out. I have been carping about fastrack continuity problems since 2004 and it seems like nobody believed it.
I think the word has been out for while as there have been more than a few posts on the forum in the past couple years. However the video Lionel posted last week is is the first time I'm aware they publicly addressed the issue.
Actually I used the continuity problem to unintended advantage on last years Christmas display. I placed a 5" section at the bottom of a steep grade which helped slow down the train.
Funny this was post in February since this has been a long standing issue. It is also noteworthy that he brings up the 5 in track. I had this problem with 5 an 4 in sections. If you also note that the pin was loose. That is the issue. I have been using needle nose plyers to bend the pins for a long time. This also happens with the outside rails to. Its no secret that the pins come lose over time, especially those who run carpet central or do not screw their track down. Its just part of the on going maintenance.
I had a piece get so hot it melted the roadbed...That was back in 2012.
This should be posted in the electrical section.Nick
This is OLD news.Fastrack has had continuity problems for years.You need feeds every 30".Nick
FALSE. On my 10'x16' I have a 14 gas buss with 14 ga feeders soldered directly to the "tabs" underneath every 10'-12'. Voltage anywhere on the layout is the same as it is on the output side of my TPC unit.
The only piece of track that gave me trouble was 1 1-3/8" fitter. I crimped the rails as necessary to tighten the connection and never had another problem.
There are alot of variables to consider as well, some folks wire their layout with puny18ga wire so they can use" removable" connectors on the fastrack tabs. Solder provides a much better connection, and 2 seconds with a hot iron will remove the wire if needed.
Lionel recommends 14 guage for an 18v command environment.
Fastrack can give a "false sense' of a good connection with the interlocking roadbed. If connection/pins seems loose tighten crimp as needed when assembling track, and it should be a non issue.
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