Skip to main content

Just got my new Lionel lighted Fastrack yesterday.  Combined with MTH's LED Christmas cars, this makes quite a show!  I really like the new track for around the tree ... this was a great idea.  (LED's in the video are over-exposed, so they look brighter/whiter than they really are.  You can see the colors better live).

Attachments

Videos (1)
Christmas Train
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

The lights are wired internally in the track from the inside rail to one of the outside rails.  It works on the same principal as an insulated track section.  The outside rail with the connection has cuts in it which block the current flow.  When a car or engine crosses the piece if track, the wheels complete the circuit from one outside rail to the other, and the track lights.

@dwp425 posted:

Just got my new Lionel lighted Fastrack yesterday.  Combined with MTH's LED Christmas cars, this makes quite a show!  I really like the new track for around the tree ... this was a great idea.  (LED's in the video are over-exposed, so they look brighter/whiter than they really are.  You can see the colors better live).

Looks fun - almost like Christmas magic is powering the train.

Me likey!

I did follow through and added the loop of lighted fastrack around the tree, and let my daughter help pick out a couple of the lighted MTH cars (she is very partial to the snowmen!).  Well, it's a huge hit, even with the wife--and when it comes to trains around here, that's really saying something!  It truly bumped the festive nature of things up a couple notches!

Last edited by Tuscan Jim

RE: Lighted Fastrack.

I have the green lighted version that came with the Lion Chief Area 51 Railroad Set, and wanted to use one of my transformers in lieu of the supplied wall wart. An easy mod but you do have to remove the bottom cover piece that's on these (unlike regular Fastrack).

I used one of the straight pieces for my power track, removed the cover, and attached my own power leads with female .110 connectors to the metal tabs. The tabs are identical to what is found on a "regular" Fastrack piece. Replace the cover, being careful not to crimp any of the small wires used for the LEDs.

This way you can ditch the wall wart and have power leads of any length desired.

20210117_115352

20210117_115711

Attachments

Images (2)
  • 20210117_115352
  • 20210117_115711
Last edited by johnstrains

IMHO these improvements should be made asap to capitalize on the large percentage of hobbyists with a Christmas layout:

- the prepackaged oval should be 40x60, not 40x50.  This will match what comes with sets as well is what is done with the Fastrack prepackaged oval which is sold now.  Personally, I was disappointed in this before I purchased the oval but after opening up the package I was actually a bit angry.  There is plenty of space for 2 more straight sections but Lionel filled it with cardboard.

- if Lionel won't do my first suggestion, the next one is to sell individual track sections and not just the 4 section packs.

- they need to add a power lock-on, a power block lock-on, and accessory activator pack to line so we don't have to jury rig accessories (or hide the regular Fastrack ones that are used loosely with an extra power cable).

Longer term improvements would be to add larger diameter curves and switches.

I do agree, it's a great product and really makes the layout under the tree stand out!

-Greg

Last edited by Greg Houser
@Greg Houser posted:

IMHO these improvements should be made asap to capitalize on the large percentage of hobbyists with a Christmas layout:

- the prepackaged oval should be 40x60, not 40x50.  This will match what comes with sets as well is what is done with the Fastrack prepackaged oval which is sold now.  Personally, I was disappointed in this before I purchased the oval but after opening up the package I was actually a bit angry.  There is plenty of space for 2 more straight sections but Lionel filled it with cardboard.

- if Lionel won't do my first suggestion, the next one is to sell individual track sections and not just the 4 section packs.

- they need to add a power lock-on, a power block lock-on, and accessory activator pack to line so we don't have to jury rig accessories (or hide the regular Fastrack ones that are used loosely with an extra power cable).

Longer term improvements would be to add larger diameter curves and switches.

I do agree, it's a great product and really makes the layout under the tree stand out!

-Greg

Greg,

All good points. Based on most of the early feedback on this new product, it appears that Lionel has a winner with this lighted track. Would be nice to see your suggestions taken into consideration and make lighted track a comprehensive offering like standard track.

@laz1957 posted:

JOHNSTRAINS,

  Thanks for the info on this with removing the underside and setting it up for the transformer.  Now if we only could get more green track?

Check the auction site. A few days ago there were a few listings for the green track. Assume they are breaking up sets because I've seen the loco and rolling stock for separate sale also.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×