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Ok I think I narrowed it down to a bad section of track. Whats the best way to fix where the copper connector contacts the rail? Upon inspection it looks like all the copper contacts are making good contact and are good and clean. You can take your finger and press down ever so slightly on the rail head and get contact. It looks like from the factory they made some sort of small tack weld to get the copper connector to adhere to the rail. Is this a common problem or a isolated incident? Have not had much experience with MTH track.

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A1Hobo,

    Both these men are giving good advise, if you are dealing with only one piece of RealTrax, replace it with a new one, save the damaged one, you will have more like it if you take your RealTrax layout up and down very often.  When you have about 5 or 6 pieces of damaged track, then do as Joe recommends and use Jim Berretts repair method. After you figure out you should really leave RealTax up once constructed, purchase FastTrack or the new Atlas Track designed similar to FasTrack, for your next layout.  I use both FasTrack & RealTrax, I do not take the RealTrax down after it is

running perfect, masochism is for other people.

PCRR/Dave

 

RealTrax & FasTrack under the Christmas Tree

 

 

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

OK, most of the RealTrax failures are caused by improper assembly and dis-assembly.

To connect:

Hold 2 pieces in a shallow V wit the rail tops touching. Rotate flat while pressing together.

Hold next piece at 45°to group with rail tops touching, rotate down flat while pressing together.  Continue to final pair, hold up in shallow V and repeat.

To separate:

Hold one piece flat, lift far end of next piece and they will separate cleanly.

 

I have laid and picked up my Christmas layout for years this way with no problems at all.

After numerous cycles the connections can get a bit loose, MTH sells packs of clips for the track that makes them tight and ridged as a solid piece. Use as needed.

Thanks for all the advise Gentlemen. I think you all got a good points there. Unfortunately I have run into more issues with this DCS than I am comfortable with. I have spent enough money repairing things associated with it. I believe I will take your advise and get a new piece and permanently lay the track down. Thanks again guys.

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