Material for Rail/Tie insulators

pennsy484OGR Forum Member

I have a small loop of tubular standard gauge track (not sure the make, but its MTH or Lionel or a mix of both, not USA track). Over just a few years of Christmas only use with a Lionel Corporate Tinplate traditional 400e and around 5 or so 200 series freight cars, the insulators between the rails and ties have worn through and the track shorts seemingly all over the place. Surprising considering the track is screwed down on a rigid platform framed with 2X3s and sheathed with 1/2 inch plywood. I guess its a combination of the weight of the 400e and crappy track/insulator material.

I am not sure if it is worth the aggravation of trying to fix the track by replacing the insulators (looks to be just card stock), but if I do try it, any suggestions on what material to use?

Any suggestions as to whether or not to even bother with this, versus just buying new track $$$, will be appreciated. Thank you.

10/31/181:00 PM

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BlueComet400OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Non-corrugated cardboard, like the stuff used on soda or beer 12-packs, works very well. I've used it to repair track and also make insulated track sections, and it works great.

Before prying up the tabs to replace existing insulators, I recommend checking the suspect track sections first using a continuity meter. Put one lead on the center rail, and the other on the outer rails. If there's no continuity, the piece is good. If you have continuity, the track section has one or more faulty insulators. After learning the hard way, I now check every piece of track before installing it on the layout. I've already had brand-new track, right out of the box, with faulty insulators.

If you do end up replacing instead of repairing, USA Track is a great product--I highly recommend it.

John

10/31/182:57 PM

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navy.sealOGR Forum Member

If you decide to repair your track, I recommend you contact Kirk at USA Track and ask him to sell you some of USA's insulators. Tell him Bob Nelson sent you and he may give you a bargain deal.

Bob Nelson

10/31/183:19 PM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

pennsy484 posted:
... if I do try it, any suggestions on what material to use?

It's easy to replace, the original material is a type of fishpaper.

10/31/183:49 PM

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FlyPlanes-PlayTrainsOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I bought a pack of 100, precut for a dollar or two from Tinman3rail...an advertiser here. I was ordering some nicely rebuilt switches anyway, so I figured why not. They worked great.