insulated track

[cheech]

i get confused on this simple subject. your help is appreciated as always.

i am using both gargraves and lionel tubular (0-27) track on my layout. i am insulating the center rails to provide power districts ( i think this is the correct term) powered by PoHo's via TPC and Block Controllers. I am also insulating one of the outside rails at various locations to create blocks (again i think this is the correct term) so that trackside signals will function.

1. i understand that all gargraves track is insulated and therefore there isn't a need to remove an outside rail pin to make this track insulated in those areas where 0-27 meets gargraves.

2. in using gargraves switches, the turnout comes without a pin in the right most rail. all track after the switch on this turn is therefore isolated? is this correct?

are there other considerations?

ralph

[Anonymous]

Ralph

I am a bit confused by question one. Gargraves is insulated in that the outer 2 rails are not connected to eachother. On Lionel tubular unless you use a special section or take the track apart and insulate it yourself, the outer 2 rails are connected. Therefore if you join a Lionel to GG section unless you use a plastic pin (or leave a gap) the outer rails will be connected when you join them. GG now sells insulating pins.

Have not seen GG turnouts in a long time. I assume the insulated rail would be for an anti derail feature.

Dale hz

[phillyreading]

I use GarGraves track and switches so I can tell you about the products. To answer Ralph's question, the track will be isolated and to solve this problem you need to provide power to the rail after the switch, the center rail needs no extra wiring as it is connected inside the switch on newer models. The GarGraves switches do not come with an anti derail feature but the instructions tell you how to make the switch into an anti derail. When GarGraves track meets 027 both outside rails will be powered unless you insulate them. It is true that GarGraves sells insulating pins but have you tried to locate a dealer who stocks this item?
I live on the east coast of south Florida and can not find a dealer who carries the new GarGraves insulating pins, from Ft. Pierce to Homestead nobody carries this part yet, that includes Ready To Roll in north Miami.
So what I have done is to whittle down K-Line's S gauge insulating pins, I use an exacto knife to cut down the pins on the side.
Also there are other products to hook-up to a GarGraves switch that DZ Industry sells & can be purchased directly from Ross Custom Switches, www.rossswitches.com , like extra DZ 1000 switch machines or DZ 1008 relay, DZ 2500 switch machine.
Do not try to purchase DZ Stuff from the company directly, use Ross Custom Switches website as DZ Stuff only sells to dealers or hobby shops direct.
Lee Fritz

[cheech]

Thanks Dale...Fritz

i was inarticulate in my question, but you answered what i was asking.

My thinking and implementation with the Gargraves track will work out. Fritz, try Just Trains in Delaware. They generally have everyting, as soon as it is available from all the key mfgrs. their website is some what difficult to find... www.justrains.com ....notice spelling....and they only take orders on the phone. very helpful, larger orders are s/h free otherwise very reasonable.

My thinking and implementation with 0-27 is flawed. I mistakenly thought by taking the pins out of one side i would insulate the track....DUH!...which is why you didn't understand my silly question. i will now try get 0-27 isolated tracks and continue my quest. minor setback...or just another opportunity to enjoy and learn.

ralph