Does MTH have a way of doing this?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Just use an insulated rail, as you would for most track-actuated accessories.
Unfortunately I don't know what you mean.
Originally Posted by Barry Broskowitz:
Just use an insulated rail, as you would for most track-actuated accessories.
MTH doesn't show instructions for their 40-1029 insulated track section, but if can be made quite easily by removing or disabling the contacts from both ends of a section of RealTrax on one outside rail. Lockon connected to that outside rail will provide a ground when the wheels pass over that section of track. Power can be fed via the center rail or an accessory post that uses the ground terminal on the transformer. This link may help, although it is for Lionel, the concept is the same. https://lionelllc.wordpress.co...utside-rail-6-12029/
Thank you.
Very helpful and appears easy.
Originally Posted by Jon G:
MTH doesn't show instructions for their 40-1029 insulated track section, but if can be made quite easily by removing or disabling the contacts from both ends of a section of RealTrax on one outside rail. Lockon connected to that outside rail will provide a ground when the wheels pass over that section of track. Power can be fed via the center rail or an accessory post that uses the ground terminal on the transformer. This link may help, although it is for Lionel, the concept is the same. https://lionelllc.wordpress.co...utside-rail-6-12029/
It will work as shown in the video linked. However, for a number of reasons, (smooth operation,voltage spikes,separating circuits,back feed of transformer taps,etc,) I would advise using a relay,shown here
Another thing to consider is that the Lionel gateman has a solenoid. This will create a voltage spike in the line,whenever it is activated and power is removed. This is especially true of the PW type unit.This in itself is not harmful. But if modern accessories share a circuit that have PC chips,they could be damaged. This includes LEDs, modern crossing flashers and gates and anything with solid state electronics in it. It is best to circuit such accessories separately or add a TVS at the source of the accessory.
Dale H
