So my power pack provides 2 outputs, one goes to an outer rail, the other goes to the center rail. Is the other outer rail dead? I guess it can’t be can it? otherwise the loco could not be put on the track facing the other direction. Pardon my ignorance, but where is the connection made to the other rail?
Depends what kind of track are you using?
With traditional tubular track, the connection is through the metal ties. With some modern types of track, there is no connection. The train will operate with only one outside rail connected, since the wheels on both sides are connected to the locomotive frame. But operation is more reliable with both rails connected.
Simon…You have me completely confused because your photos of your layout on your web page indicate that you are building an HO layout. [%-)]
I like your photos of the Grand Canyon RR. Rode it in January 2009 with snow on the ground.
Could be a hypothetical question. There is such a thing as 3-rail HO; but I can’t make out any pukos in the pictures.
Sorry for the confusion chaps. Yes indeed my primary layout is an HO 2 rail. In another thread (HO scaler popping in to say hello) I explained that as of Friday night, my son Christopher had succeeded in convincing me to purchase a used O27 Lionel set at a rummage sale. It is the tubular track, so my question was actually answered regarding the connection via the metal ties. Should have noticed that was the case myself. Anyway, as of right now, I have an ecstatic 9 year old, who has a very nicely running loop of track with powered switches leading to a passing siding.
Welcome to the wonderful world of 0 scale!!! My stuff is all 027 & mostly Post War. I Love it.
wyomingscout
I had a whole box of Marklin HO 3 rail track on tin roadbed.
ken
Simon,
Another advantage of 3 rail, that I am surprized no one has mentioned yet, is that by using an insulated track section, you can use the train itself to activate signals and grade crossings and anything else that it would be desireable to have activated by the train. If you insulate a track section(very easy to do with track with wood or plastic ties) you can connect an accessory such as a grade crossing signal to the in sulated rail and an always hot power source. When the train enters the insulated section, you will gound to the other rail through the locomotives and car axles, no expensive detection circuit needed, just some plastic pins or rail joiners dependent on the type of track you are using.
Be very careful of the O-Gauge virus though, it is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS, though rarely FATAL(unless your Wife catches you buying too many Trains). I was an HO modeler for many, many years, if someone had told me that I would be this involved in 3 Rail 5 years ago, I would have laughed at them. Then I got “Just ONE Lionel, for the CHRISTMAS TREE” I came down with so severe a case of The O-Gauge Virus, we almost had to notify the CDC in Atlanta. The Doctors said that there is NO KNOWN CURE, and that you can only treat the symptoms by buying more trains, until you are comfortable, but it is most often a life long affliction, once contracted.
Becareful, this could happen to you too,
This was the Christmas layout for just the second year, The Christmas Tree, Carpet & Western.
[IMG]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/challenger3980/Picture38