I'm going to be building a detachable loop on my small N Scale layout. What are the experiences of others in aligning track reliably and securing the detachable section? I would imagine it would be smart to run track power leads to the detachable section. Other thoughts on how I might do this?
Eric
I'm kinda likin this stuff
That other thread went in about fifteen different directions.
Here's what I will tell you and I am going to build: Think removable leaf table.
Alignment: Use table pins like these: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=787&filter=32334
Holding it tight: use a locking mechanism like this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=777&filter=21585
Keeping it level: use a drop-leaf support like this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2319&filter=30006
For connecting the power, use the power cables from the inside of an old PC.
I would construct the removable section, pin registered and securely latched.
THEN lay the track across the joint, securely fastened both vertically and horizontally.
THEN cut the track at the joint.
A simple dual banana plug to connect the power leads. You don't need rail joiners if it is pin registered and secure.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet wrote: I would construct the removable section, pin registered and securely latched.THEN lay the track across the joint, securely fastened both vertically and horizontally.THEN cut the track at the joint.A simple dual banana plug to connect the power leads. You don't need rail joiners if it is pin registered and secure.
I agree.
Yep! That is how I do it.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
WaxonWaxov wrote:That other thread went in about fifteen different directions.
Here's what I will tell you and I am going to build: Think removable leaf table.Alignment: Use table pins like these: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=787&filter=32334Holding it tight: use a locking mechanism like this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=777&filter=21585Keeping it level: use a drop-leaf support like this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2319&filter=30006For connecting the power, use the power cables from the inside of an old PC.
Those locking mechanisms are designed to pull the two edges together tightly, but don't protect against sliding or lateral movement.
I agree that wood or plastic pins would not be as good as metal ones, but I disagree with the idea of using them for track power... I think after a while any tarnish on the brass along with the fact there might develop some space arounf them might lead to unreliable conductivity.