Auto Aligning Gargraves

I think you are saying the anti-derail (more common term) feature fails to throw the turnout to go straight.   At all? Moves partially? Or just not consistent?

If it is consistent with the switch being used, I'd look at the track triggering for an issue. It could be dirty wheels, track or even the traction tire not completing the circuit...?  You don't say how you detect/trigger them.  If consistently missing both ways, look to wiring, connections, and the turnout itself.

You shouldn't have power issues really; but note a heavy track draw may weaken what is available for the accessories constants. E.g. you'd get less flicker (imagine a lamp vs turnout coil) from two power supplies vs one where track and accessories share output, even if it's hi-output (there are exceptions... basically some supplies are actually 2 supplies in one package.)

 So if you are pushing the Zs limits that could be it

You might want to extend that trigger rail too.  (for a temporary trigger to test with, look at Marx. A copper strip or oval with a wire and two sided tape ,folded over a rail) . (WorkswWorks well Robert Grossman Co. among others)

I just tested again

I got 5 consecutive successful alignments.

Here’s a video of my road. There’s a good description of what I attempting with this set up.

Now,I just need  two more O-100 turnouts, a right and a left MANUAL😁

and about 30’ feet of Gargraves. 
The new two track yard is 10’ long. 

This started out to be my last railroad..that’s why some is painted white-it was to be Winter/Spring-snow still on the ground, but things growing green.  

Then the wife says, “I want to move“

And she got my eager agreement by saying, “And you need a stand alone building for your Wood Working-which is my retirement job, to supplement retirement funds-and buy trains🚂

But, Fate decided to get involved-and things keep getting the way-

So, we’re staying here for at least 4 more years-hence the reason to add more yards  

@Adriatic posted:

You might want to extend that trigger rail too.  (for a temporary trigger to test with, look at Marx. A copper strip or oval with a wire and two sided tape ,folded over a rail) . (WorkswWorks well Robert Grossman Co. among others)

 

I get the theory of operation-the wheels “short” or momentarily close the contact on the DZ-1000, which simulates the action of the button being pressed on the DZ-1002P  

I reversed the car-now I get inconsistency again  

That's what's kinda cool about the Marx "dots" & strips. They fit in tight spots.

You don't need to have the "real" ones. Electric tape and a folded copper scrap with presoldered wire works well. (the tape goes between dot & rail to insulate.  Once you have the right spot or strip length you can better mod any track with a well planned cut and pull them right off. (clean any goo)

Some wheels just plain don't like tripping the antiderail. Maybe a swap?

I tested with a lighted passenger car

trips every time. 

And since engines will always be first on that section 

it should be fine. 

thanks

I’ve always built my Roads so I can follow the train

manually operate turnouts 

But, this multi-room design doesn’t make it feasible 

I have two Ys

And when this section is built, will increase “through train” connectivity to 1 of 2 reverse loops.

This will give me 5 point to point yards. 
A lot of switching operations 😁

The two trigger rails are very close at the frog.  I had to insert a small piece of styrene to isolate left and right.  You may have to remove the rail spikes at the frog, if they touch.  (Ross switch pictured.)  

Switch motors, DZ1000's sometimes can be temperamental when new. Loosen the mounting screws.

@Mike CT posted:

The two trigger rails are very close at the frog.  I had to insert a small piece of styrene to isolate left and right.  You may have to remove the rail spikes at the frog, if they touch.  (Gargraves pictured)  

The issue was the car I was using

when I used a lighter passenger car

it worked fine

thanks

@1drummer posted:

thanks

You're welcome   Mike CT. 

@1drummer posted: 

I reversed the car-now I get inconsistency again  

 

If it works with the suspect car one way and not the other the car may be the issue. Do others have the same issue? What car?

There is a power feed after the exit right? Don't pass power thru turnouts of any brand. The many little connections are meant to feed turnout rails only, not feed the other tracks. This has been stated by many mfgs since prewar that it is a weak point on larger layouts or with heavy current draw trains.  

This is for sale on eBay. 
The seller is attempting to tell me they are the same turnouts. 

What delusions some people suffer under. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/293527119817

From the Gargraves website.   DZ-1002 is the standard momentary push button.  DZ-1000, switch motor.  Switch motors are designed to be wired, Left and Right, with common accessory (and, or track common), apply-ing AC+ to the  center terminal of the switch motor.  This allows a metal wheel set, that touches the isolated rail sections, and the other outside rail, to trigger the movement.  Auto-non-derail.

 Same applies, Ross or other switches.  My switches are Atlas, wired similar, using Atlas 6924 relay boards.   

Have fun, Mike CT.  

1drummer:

I've connected a lot of non-derailing turnouts in my time, just wondering if you are using a seperate power supply for your Dz-100 switch motor power and another for track power.  If so the common terminals on each power supply must be connected together to ensure the circuit would be complete for non-derailing

Model A guy

i just had the turnout on the workbench testing it, before installing. 

I had power from a Z-1000, for track and DZ-1000...

Since I’m adding a yard and a reversing loop by happenstance, I’m Thinking I mighty try to see if I can run this through my DCS, which means I need to buy an AIU. 

I just added the turnout into the mainline, and Track power is All good 

now, once I add the line from the Upper West Yard-I’ll see if I need to add separate power to the turnout. 

thanks

My short answer is:  This is not an uncommon situation.

I have more than 50 Gargraves turnouts.  I have more than 20 Ross Turnouts.  The majority are changed by DZ1000S.

99% OF the time it works.  Sometimes the points don't get all the way over.