Realtrax

After having worked with about 250' feet of it and 24 switches, I would say it's good system. This stuff is all circa 2003 and sat in the attic of an outbuilding.

See Eagle Scout Project

The switches are finicky and not the best, but starting with new switches would definitely be better.

Like all track systems, there are nuances, tips and tricks to get it to do what you need past just running a train on a loop.

Have some, considering buying some? What will your application be?

RT(Realtrax) VS. FT(Fastrax) is a real Ford VS. Chevy debate, each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

 When I got into 3R(3 Rail O Gauge), I chose RT simply on the appearance, The Rail shape was the biggest factor, and the ballast color was closer to what I am used to seeing. I did not know anything about either track, other than the physical appearance.

RT takes a little more practice to assemble easily, but once you learn the proper method it is not difficult. Many claim that FT stays together better, especially after multiple assembly/ dis-assemblies. In MY Experience, this is not true, I have had as much trouble with FT coming apart in floor layout use, as I have had with RT. The advantage that RT has in temporary layouts is that MTH offers inexpensive "H" clips to lock track sections together, which simply are not available with FT. Another advantage of RT in temporary layouts is that MTH also offer rubber feet that insert into the bottom of the track, so it will not slide around on hard surfaces, which I did experience on hardwood floors, multiple loops would have not been practical without the rubber feet, the weight of the trains will cause the track to rotate when the trains enter the curves, the heavier the locomotive, and Faster the train speed the more noticeable the effect is.

FT, does have a better reputation for electrical conductivity, than RT does, inspecting the tabs under RT as it is assembled will go a LOOONG ways in this respect, I have had an 082 loop that was approximately 13'x24' set up at Christmas on carpet that ran just fine with ONE power connection, for 6 Weeks, so with a bit of effort RT can be just as reliable.

I have not had any troubles with MY RT switches, but many claim the FT switches are more reliable, I can't say from my own experience.

I have given several Family members and Friends sets that I put together with FT, and even with light use, and few assemble/dis-assemble cycles, they have had trouble with the FT separating, when not screwed down.

If I was starting over again, which would I choose? I would probably stick with the RT for temporary layouts, at this point I have literally HUNDREDS of pieces of RT, and changing would be impractical. When I build a Permanent layout, I have already decided that it will be built with Atlas O track.

Those are my thoughts, based on MY OWN Experiences, YMMV,

Doug