I have been using a mix of Peco On30 and second hand Atlas HO track to run On30 trains, keeping the rails together and maintaining continuity is a nightmare. Trains will stop I think my problem is that I am used to the forgiveness of O gauge track. How do you secure your track to your table? Track nails? Glue it down? I was previously using track nails with some luck but I went to move track around and now I am having trouble maintaining continuity, engines will stall and I will look over to find a loose rail connector. I do not want to nail down track again until I know I don't have continuity problems.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You can use thumb tacks to hold the track. They work very well on HO track....Give it a try.
Then you can check your conductivity'...Most HOers/ON30ers solder their track connections when ready for permanent use..
SGP posted:How do you secure your track to your table? Track nails? Glue it down? I was previously using track nails with some luck but I went to move track around and now I am having trouble maintaining continuity, engines will stall and I will look over to find a loose rail connector. I do not want to nail down track again until I know I don't have continuity problems.
Just what is the actual surface you are trying to secure the track onto - wood, homasote, other?
Your odds of continuing to have continuity issues will remain until the track is secured. If you want to make it re-positionable, I would suggest small screws to secure it in place while also testing each section as it is secured.
I would suggest getting rid of any brass track that you may be using, oxidation on that is a nightmare. Use the nickel /silver track and make sure all rail joiners are a snug fit. As you put your track sections together put a drop of Rail Zip into each joiner to enhance conductivity.
Ray