Lionel O Scale Train Around Ceiling

There are several O gauge track systems.  If you do  a search here on the forum you should find several topics, including some folks actually trying to do noise studies.  Lionel fast-track is actually one of the loudest and most expensive.  Fasttrack is great for floor layouts and for kids to take apart and reassemble over and over, but its hollow base ad square hollow rails are really loud.  The quietest is probably atlas solid 3 rail track with brass rails, although also very expensive.  For a good compromise use Gargraves - Hollow rails but wooden ties, low cost.  Install foam or cork road bed under the track.  If you can then left the track float onto top of the foam/cork.  I.e. glue down the roadbed, then glue the track to the top of the road bed.  Use as few screws as you can, mostly in the corners.  Every screw transmits vibration from the train to the solid surface, which then acts as a speaker. 

If noise is a huge concern, as it should be honestly, then consider a decorative noise abatement treat to the underside of the shelf.  You will also find that some cars are louder than others to operate, depending on wheel type, weight, how solid the construction is etc. 

the biggest thing is to always have fun - let the various challenges be neat little learning exercises, not chores.  make sure at the end of every day you can run a train so you have something to smile at

I think Atlas is the only solid 3R-rail track currently available.  And it's nickel silver, not brass.

@Matchbox posted:

I’m going to build a O scale train around my ceiling in my man cave. I am looking at the three rail Lionel fast track? And maybe some kind of pad for under the track? Is there a solid o Scale track that is better and more quite? I’m very new at trains 🚂

thanks for any advice you can share....

I just recently completed mine.  You can take a look at the build here at ceiling build. Atlas is the only solid rail option. You don't want to use Fastrack or any integrated roadbed track because of the noise volume.  Remember that your train will be running inches away from to 2 solid surfaces (wall and ceiling) that will amplify the noise.  If I have the sounds on, the train sounds very loud when running, not so much when I have the sounds turned off.  When I'm home alone I run the trains with the sound on.  I used Atlas O-72 and O-63 for my loops and have since removed the O-63 inner loop and replaced it with an HO loop.

One thing to consider is that as a ceiling layout, no one (unless you're using glass as your shelf) will see what kind of track is up there.  I mention this if you have an aversion to Tubular Track.  Right now, I'm considering removing the Atlas track from the ceiling and replacing it with old fashioned tubular.  The noise level will go up a bit but I think its manageable.  Reason for moving the Atlas track is so that it can be used in my new found train room.  Atlas track is way too expensive (new or used) to be just buying extra gobs of it for no reason.  Tubular track is dirt cheap compared to other track types.

JHZ presents many good points.  Don't get discouraged if what you do isn't what you like or want.  Take it up and try a new approach.  We have a few box cars with sound deadening material in them.  I don't know if it makes a big difference, but it doesn't hurt.  John

I have a shelf layout around my room with Fastrack. If you want a quick, easy, and inexpensive material that will make FT run quieter, I have a suggestion. I use a foam material that I found at Home Depot for $10 for a 50-foot roll. It's basically Styrofoam but in a roll. It is easy to cut with scissors or a knife, it's dirt cheap, and it is easy to install (just put a section under the track and screw the track down. Now I can enjoy the awesome sounds of my trains.

I Chose the Atlas 3 rail o gauge track.
the four Conor’s are o-81 and I have attached a picture. I used 1/2” birch multi layer plywood to attach the track to.

slow process only working on some weekends

I ordered and received the steel brackets for the walls and ceiling (at the corners) .
They were cheaper than I expected. They are very sturdy 1/4” x 1-1/2” steel material. I drilled and sanded them. Primed and painted them along with the screws, washers and lag bolts.
Only installed for so far. Went easy too. Twenty two more to go…. lol

I’m hoping to order the straight track this weekend. I’ve got the road bed and 1/4” x 1-1/2” to install between the steel brackets and the plywood. I’m getting closer now.