MTH RealTrax switches-How do they work?

I don't have any RealTrax, so I am going to assume that their function is very similar to Lionel PW style O31 switches.

Many years ago, when I was still a kid, I made a double crossover track using the Lionel O gauge O31 switches. I had a double oval setup with pairs of switches allowing trains to cross from outer loop to inner loop and then back to outer loop again. I don't remember exactly what my problems were but I do remember my solution.

Here is what I did. (this was strictly for conventional operation)

1. I created a isolated block section on the inner loop. This electrically isolated area included the two switches on the inner loop plus 2-3 track sections on either side of the switches.

2. I wired up a DPDT toggle switch to control whether the isolated block section was powered by either the inner loop or the outer loop.

3. Under normal operation with one train running on the inner loop, the toggle was set so the isolated block received power from the inner loop.

4. When I wanted to switch the train from the inner loop to the outer loop, I slowly brought the locomotive into the block section, flipped the toggle to receive power from the outer loop, and set the switches to maneuver the train to the outer loop.

5. When the train completed the maneuver, I reset the switches to straight path and set the toggle for normal operation.

This method greatly improved the smoothness of transition from inner loop to outer loop and vice versa.

I don't know if this will help your situation but it definitely worked for me.

You hit all the nails on the heads....even the solution.

Make sure (grind away or use tape or other insulator) to prevent the rails from touching to activate the non derail feature.

If the two track sections are not really flat, or they sit on flexible road bed (snow scene would be an example if the puffy white snow is used) the weight of a loco will flex the track enough to make the top of the rails touch...a good thing. But not if you did not want it to do that....in the case of a train waiting on the curve for an oncoming to pass on the straight...and the curve train's pressure changes the points and sets up a head on.

Greg

Flash:

I too as a youngster (some 60 years ago!) had a layout (HO) with a reversing track. I too blocked it with the ability to change the DC polarity of the various blocks to accommodate changing direction of the train on the loops of the layout. So I am familiar with the concept but that is not my problem at all.

My problem has to do with the auto derailment avoidance feature of the RealTrax switches. Without this feature those short sections of track in the middle of the switches would be connected to the outside rails of the layout. But because the switch needs to match the direction of the incoming train, they use those short rails (independently) as an electrical switches to force the switch to the correct direction for the incoming train. I think Lionel uses the same approach for their FasTrack or at least they have a similar feature. Whether theirs is a mechanical solution or electrical solution I really don't know.

When those short section touch the adjacent track of the layout it is the same as a loco forcing the switch to change but the signal is constant and not momentary. When you try to manually change the switch the solenoid fights you when it really should not be electrically connected at all (It only takes a momentary connection to common to change the switch, not continuous as the errant connection of the short section of track provides if not isolated from the adjacent track. The train is not affected by this switching as it get its common from the outside rail leaving these isolated short track sections to work as an electrical switches as the loco passes over them. Whether it is the wheels bridging the gap or the wheels touching the outside rail and conducting that common to the short section rails through the axles, I really don't know but either works fine I would think.

But thanks for your concern. It seems cngw agrees with my conclusion so I will get out the Dremel.

LDBennett