MTH - back to back switches | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

cngwOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I did 2 searches and could not find what I wanted, I checked electrical, layout building, then here. Sorry that I could not find it, but I think I read a blurb about this just last week:

I have put many of the MTH Realtrax switches "back to back" meaning bent arm to bent arm, and opening straight to opening straight ( that makes sense) but I have always inserted a short section of track between them which ever way I oriented them.

I have a situation where I have them together without that short section... where straight outside grounded rail is which I think will cause continuity to the inside, "open" rail that is used to gnd for the non-derailing option. When the switch is thrown one way, it auto fires back to the direction it was. I am thinking there is an answer....perhaps tape to insulate the contact on the switches?

Hope this makes sense. And I am guessing the switch will still auto act for non-derailing once it is gnded via the train wheel. Right or wrong? I am also guess there is some way to use these switches touching each other...maybe not. I can add a photo tomorrow if that would help.

Thank you for for all replies, Greg ( Or just point me to that thread I could not find)

11/17/245:28 PM

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Jon GOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

The short rails going into the frog are the control rails for the switch. Their must be a gap between them and the adjoining section to prevent the switch from righting itself when connected to an adjoining track. Some of the control rails are too long and don’t provide an adequate gap when connected. Trimming the rail is difficult, but try adding an insulator between the rails.

11/17/247:39 PM

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c6usaOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have many of these switchs and have had the same thing. I took a dremal to fix the problem. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE GAP between auto switch rail just like Jon stated. Above

Henry

11/17/248:33 PM

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H1000OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I folded a piece of electrical tape and place it between the rails when I assembled the track. Works great:

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11/17/248:49 PM

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cngwOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Before I saw this, I posted on another topic. Last night, after looking at my photo below, I came to the conclusion that you did. I will go out back later and put a gap between the gnded/not gnded rails, betting that ends the problem.

The center rail, right switch frog wanted to always stay straight...the short rail (blk cirdle) was constantly gnded...that is where I need the gap/insulation!

I only have to make sure with final track installation there is a physical gap/insulation between them. I really appreciate the feedback and the confirmation of what I thought. I marked the offending/non-offending joints that I looked at last night. Red is good, black is the offending joint. I thank you guys for your rapid response, as always, great help. Greg