I have a place on my layout where there are two Atlas NS (0 gauge) 90 degree crossovers back-to-back. Some of my shorter engines (the ones with only one set of pick-up rollers) stall when they reach the middle of the crossovers. I assume this is because the middle rails of the crossovers are plastic and not electrified. Anyone know of a simple solution short of rearranging the track pattern? Any help would be appreciated.
Bob
I’m sure you mean “crossings” not “crossovers”. The insulated stretch appears to be only 1 7/8 inches, as nearly as I can tell from this picture:
It seems unlikely that your pickups are closer than that. You say that the crossings are “back-to-back”. Did you remember to connect the center rails in the back-to-back region to the other center rails?
Bob,
Thanks. You’re correct - I meant crossings. Other than snapping the two “crossings” together I did no additional wiring. What could I do to create a continuous live center rail to prevent the engines from stalling?
Bob
I’m not familiar with that type of track to know how one usually makes connections; but whatever you did to connect the transformer to the track elsewhere should work just as well in that spot. However, I generally solder my wires to the track. That should work with nickel silver. I recommend soldering just a short piece, perhaps of a smaller gauge than you would use otherwise if soldering heavy wire is a problem. Then poke that straight down through a small hole in the table, under the track; and connect it with a wire nut or other splice to a feeder under the table.
You can do this without removing the track. Drill the hole first, close to the rail. Shape the stripped end of the wire to bend around the rail flange, then bend to lie along the side of the rail for maybe 3/8 inch. Then solder. If one side of the track is less visible, locate the wire on that side of the rail. You may need to scrape that black coating off the rail before soldering.
Thank you, Bob. I’ll give that a try.
Bob