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Electrical connectivity issues

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  • Member since
    February 2012
  • 1 posts
Electrical connectivity issues
Posted by thorpe50 on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 3:20 PM

Hi, I'm new to this forum and need to ask a general question.  I'm planning a new layout and would like to use Atlas track with Ross switches.  Has anyone had any electrical connectivity issues with this combo ?  Would Gargraves track with Ross switches be a better combo.  My layout is an adaptation of the Day at the Races from CTT 16 track plan book.  It has 3 ovals, 4 bridges, 6 switches, a reverse loop, a yard and small siding.  It's about 10 x 18.  I plan on running 3 trains, 1 passenger and 2 freight.       

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Centennial, CO
  • 3,218 posts
Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 7:08 PM

thorpe50 - Welcome to trains.com! Cowboy

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
  • 4,014 posts
Posted by phillyreading on Thursday, April 5, 2012 3:58 PM
Don't know of any connectivity issues but there is an issue of track adapter pins being needed to go from Atlas to Gargraves. Ross track and Gargraves are compatible by just using the Gargraves or Ross track pins, as they are the exact same style. There are several styles of adapter pins in the Gargraves line, you need to know which adapter pin to buy! Also with 'Gargraves track' all three rails are "electrically insulated" from each other, unlike Lionel's tubular track that has the outside rails hooked up electrically.
Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
  • 4,014 posts
Posted by phillyreading on Thursday, April 5, 2012 4:03 PM
With switches other than Lionel; check to make sure you have power to the center rail after the switch on both output sides of the switch. Ross has the best selection and variety of switches along with best quality. To buy replacement switch machines for Gargraves and Ross switches, Ross Custom Switches sells the DZ-1000 switch machine from DZ Industries seperately.
Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.

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