Using Ross and Gargraves track - outside rails are not connected to each other like old Lionel tubular - and was wondering if it's really necessary to run return feeders to both outside rails - e.g., in between blocks. I am thinking that just one side can have a return wire and any train wheels that pass on that block or track section will automatically ground the opposite side?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
We drop 3 feeders , one from each rail and the 2 outside rails get connected together underneath the layout . From here the 2 outside rails now connected as 1 wire and the hot go back a terminal block (with magic bulb) which is fed from a tiu channel... this is a big layout and runs really well with dcs and TMCC... Yes we have a few exceptions crossing gates signal etc.
Yes you might be right but i have always been told it is highly suggested as if for some reason there's a break in the rail some how then you have a dead area which might not be if you had both with a ground the way I do it thou is every so often I run a feeder from outside to inside rails underneath so it is done then I just need the one lead to the track and then your drops every so many feet that you choose I had 14' x 16' and I did 4 leads one on each side and never had a problem.
On my railroad, the mainlines all use the second outside rail for detection. I still get by with that arrangement, since, as you mentioned, the wheel sets form a bridge anyway. If you do that, you have to pay close attention to make sure that all rail segments have a power and a ground, especially around switches. On track that isn't part of the mainline, I'll typically put a center rail feeder on every 3' section, then put a ground feeder on alternate sides of alternate sections.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
