I want to insulate a piece of track however the are I want to insultate is a 3 foot section can I just cut the track with in the section and solder my connections on either side?
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I apologize I meant to say the piece I want to insulate is
You are going to have to tell us what type of track you are talking about. Also, do you want to isolate the center rail or one of the outside rails?
I am insulating a 3 foot Lionel o27 gauge piece of track. I want to isolate the out side rail to use as a trigger for a signal. Thanks for any advice.
You are going to have to insulate every tie connection, or it won't work. and Put insulating pins at each end. It is time consuming but very worth it. The easy option would be to use a piece of Gargraves, With the wooden ties, most of the work is done..
Marty
Do what Marty said. You will need to bend up the tabs on the ties. Cut little pieces of card stock (an index card) to fit between the rail and the tie (just like the center rail). Then gently press the tab down on the tie to hold it in place.
Of course, you can use Lionel 12841 O27 Insulated Straight Track and not have to take the track apart to insulate it, but the roll your own is cheaper.
Many ways to perform the task. Here’s just one way.
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There is another way to handle that three foot piece. Cut a gap about a foot in on one of the outside rails. Pry up the tabs on the ties that are holding it. I like to steal the insulators from some junk track. Put fiber pins in both ends of the segment, and put it back in place.
There is no soldering involved in this process. That would defeat the purpose. Your ground doesn't need any special treatment, because you still have the other unbroken rail.
