Insulated Rail "switch" to turn on small spotlights. Problems??

I think it would be pretty steady…there are lots of wheels. There’re electronic ways to make it solid, but try it first.

2 things:

I have tin-plate and the cars activate accessories thru insulated rails with no problem.

If your concerned about spotty action, you can always put 2 or 3 insulated tracks together to extend the activation area.

- walt

I use an insulated rail to activate a relay which controls the power for the action item (searchlights in your case).  The length of the insulated track and length of train determine the "on" time.

I've not had any problems with the wheels not activating the relay.  Plastic wheels wouldn't activate the relay, but an old style 153c or 145c contactor would still work.  They go under the actual track and are activated by the weight of the train.

I'm suspect you'll see a little blinking, but as Chuck says, give it a try, it might work with no extra parts.

Should work fine. One recommendation is to have the insulated section longer than one standard 10" length, maybe 20" or so, that would help. Cars with metal wheels and axles will create a good path,unless you have several cars with plastic wheelsets together in the train, unlikely the lights would go out. Aluminum wouldn't be a problem, it is conductive enough to work.

Thanks for the advice.  Sounds like using a stretch of 20 inch insulated track is the way to go, for a start.

Mannyrock