Gargraves track pins

[Anonymous]

Anyone know if gargraves makes insulating pins for their track? Have looked at their website and either I am blind or stupid or overlooked them.Anyway if they are not readily available and hints for making some? Problem is I am about 75 miles from the nearest hobby shop and it is all HO Gauge.

[Big_Boy_4005]

I am not aware of anyone who makes any. I have used strip wood from the hobby store, and I have also tried styrene strips, and both were OK.

On my current layout I'm not going to all of that trouble and just going with gaps. As long as the rails are aligned properly, and the gaps don't accidently close up, there is really no need for insulating pins.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply..I have tried using gaps but I am having a lot of trouble getting everything to line up..especially at the switches. I think I'll try toothpicks ..let you know how it goes..Tim

[Big_Boy_4005]

I've heard of people using toothpicks too, but they will have to be shaved down, and they get a little fragile by the time they are small enough to fit. If you accidentally break one off, you can take a utility knife and come up from the bottom of the rail and knock it out.

Normally, you shouldn't need a gap on all 3 rails in the same location, and one metal pin should be enough for alignment, as long as the track is bent and secured properly.

[Roger Bielen]

Instead of insulating pins, I put down my track and secured it to make sure everything was alligned and went back with a Dremel and cut the gaps where desired. You can then fill the gaps with a non-conductive epoxy if a smooth rail is desired.

[jkerklo]

The plastic insulating pins sold for "S" gauge track fit Gargraves track. There isn't a shoulder on the pin, so rails still need to be kept apart.

I have not tried it, but a TCA member with a large layout reports using hot melt glue at Gargraves track joins with good results.


John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com