What is a good material for making insulated track sections?

[lyle_styles]

Hello,

I am going to need a minimun of 10 insulated track sections to activate certain accessories as the train passes (crossing gates and others) and I really can't afford to purchase this many at this time.

I would like to make my own and am wondering if anyone else has had good luck with a certain material to place between the ties and rails to accompli***his?

Thank you kindly,
Lyle R Ehlers

[lionelsoni]

I use pieces cut from a black pasteboard report folder. The material seems very similar to what the track manufacturers use.

I find it useful to put a hard object (like a nut) directly under the tie before trying to recrimp the rail, to avoid deforming the tie.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I use whatever paper is handy. I have used manila folders, track connecting pin envelopes, and other stiff papers.

Jim H

[darsenau]

A very quick way to get insulated track is to use K-line Super Snap track. It already has the outside rails insulated.

[Roger Bielen]

There was an article in either CTT or OGR a couple of months back on using tape and a thin copper or brass sheet to make a section with little effort. Cover one outer rail, where you want the isolated section, with electical tape, over that press, and/or glue a thin sheet of copper or brass with a wire soldered to it. Make sure the sheet doesn't contact the rail underneath. You could probably use aluminum foil with a pigtail twisted onto one corner that can have a wire crimped onto.

I haven't tried it yet but the next insulated section I need I intend to give it a shot.

[Anonymous]

A cut up match book cover works great.

[Dave Farquhar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roger Bielen
You could probably use aluminum foil with a pigtail twisted onto one corner that can have a wire crimped onto.

It would work, but it's a lot nicer to use a metal that accepts solder readily. Without special fluxes and/or divine intervention (both are necessary if I'm the one doing the soldering!), it's nearly impossible to solder aluminum. Copper tape, available at some hobby shops because it's used in dollhouse building and slot car track, would be ideal.

If there was no alternative to aluminum, I would crimp a ring terminal onto the wire, then secure the wire to the aluminum pigtail with a screw.

I'll be using this trick when I wire my switches to be non-derailing. This way I can use a no-longer-than-necessary control section so my trains aren't hammering on the solenoids constantly.

[otftch]

At any train show you can usually pick up a box of used track for a song.Take it apart and use origional insulators.It's easy to see the ones with problems and not use them.
Ed

[jkerklo]

Best stuff I have found is an electrical insulating material called "fibroid fish paper." I have no idea why it has that name. It is commonly found on transformers, motors, and other electrical devices.

It is thin but tough. Less likely for the tie clamps to work through and short out against the isolated rail. I have used it for two automated layouts where all the track has to have an isolated outside-rail. Maybe 500 feet of track, altogether.

Check out www.Three-Rail.com for "How-To" on insulating track sections and "Suppliers" for sources for the fish paper.

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