Easier way to connect 3-rail track together?

[turbine682]

Hi everyone!

Just received shipment of Ross Custom Switches (3-Rail track). Naturally, brute force is required to mate the track. I'm sure many of you have experienced this with Lionel or some other 3-rail product. What are your recommendations for easing the connection process? Would a light spray of WD40 (or some other lubricant) help, or would this cut down on electrical conductivity? I could always take a small file and slightly enlarge the female ends of the rails. I don't plan on soldering track together, and I do need the ability to take the track apart in the future.

Thanks in advance - happy railroading...

--Ed

[Anonymous]

Ed:

My best advice: Wear a pair of work gloves while you put the sections together.

Someone does manufacture a tool that puts track sections together. From what I've heard, it works well, but is very expensive (on the order of $100 or so). To me, the work gloves are cheaper.

Tony

[turbine682]

Hi Tony,

Amazingly, my repair and serviceman at my local hobby store recommended the same, i.e., gloves instead of track tool -- ROFL! Also, purchased a tube of Graphite Lubricant (Product made by LGB #51010). Lubricant might help, but the gloves are essential. Track is assembled in in use.

Thanks for advice.

--Ed

[Anonymous]

Can't tell from your post if you bought flexible Gargraves or sectional Gargraves. In either case, if you have to cut track and join pieces, look into the Gargraves "fit up blades" to join track. These are pieces of thin sheet steel which fit into the end portion of the track that has been laid, leaving 1/4 inch exposed and then pressing the mating section down on top of the protruding steel sheet in lieu of the normal Gargraves track connector pins. Visit the Gargraves website for the part number and a better description of the product.

[turbine682]

Hi,

Thanks for the info regarding Gargraves. I may consider their flex-track when it's time to exapnd. I am using Ross Custom Switches and (sectional) Track for a simple Xmas layout. I believe that the Ross track has a lower profile than Gargraves, and I really like the wooden ties. Also, I have received excellent customer service and turnover time on my orders. Their website is www.rossswitches.com.

--Ed