New layout very basic question.....

Dave,

Answer depends on type of track and how you wire.  Running equipment is designed for "power" through center rail and power return through one or both outside rails.  Lionel O gauge track (the old kind) is made with metal ties that connect both outside rails together.  Middle rail sits on insulator piece to remain separate.  Not sure about FasTrack electrical connection of outside rails.  Other brands sitting on wooden rails will only have outside rails both electrically joined if you wire them that way.  But, middle rail is always the power rail.

Chuck

Layout is Gargraves with Ross, and Right of Way switches.  So I understand outside rails need to be tied together.....common rail does work with 3 rail?? thx

OK, now you've kind of confused me.  What do you mean by common rail or how do you intend to use it?

Hi Dave, your on the right path. a lot of people tie both outside rails together, but is not needed. some alternate what outside rail they wire to every  other drop. Most of the people I see that tie the 2 outside rails are guys that run DCS for a better signal. 

Hope this helps.

PRR1950 posted:

OK, now you've kind of confused me.  What do you mean by common rail or how do you intend to use it?

All outside rails ties together acting as a common return carrier. Middle rail used as 'power supply' and wired in blocks controlled by toggle switches. That's how I did it on my HO.....asking if same principal works for 3r AC powered trains.  

Dave:

Exactly the same principle. Tie both outside rails to a common ground. Isolate your power blocks using the middle rail. There are as many opinions as there are layouts whether it is needed to physically connect one, both or alternate outside rails to ground. All are correct. It is just a matter of your opinion.

If you want to run accessories (toggle them on or off when a train passes) tied to the track simply isolate either the inside or outside rail along the stretch of track you want the accessory to trigger on/off. The truck wheels will complete the circuit thus controlling the accessory.

Joe

"isolate either the inside or outside rail"

I know what you mean when you say that. Looking at a circle of track, there's a rail that's further away from the viewer, the "inside" rail, and a rail that's closer to the viewer, the "outside rail" but it may be better to say "isolate either outside running rail"  to avoid confusion with the term "inside rail" meaning the "center power rail."

Dave,

I run TMCC and use GarGraves track with Ross and Curtis switches.  I do not tie outside rails together. 

I use a wiring & usage convention where:

G3750 posted:

Dave,

I run TMCC and use GarGraves track with Ross and Curtis switches.  I do not tie outside rails together. 

I use a wiring & usage convention where:

Rail		Color		Description		Gauge
Inner		Black		Ground		14
Center		Red		Hot		14
Outer		Green		Control		14

Thanks!! I have used the same 14 gauge red/black for the little wiring I have done so far......feeders for the most part.  I used a good grade 14 OFC wire for track power and 16 gauge OFC for lighting and other LED's etc. 

  Wow, this was a HUGE surprise Dave. I've noticed you didn't post layout pics, but I thought you were just private or (more likely imo) humble with it. I've been tempted to prod you for pics at times...lot of good it would have done, eh?

I can hardly wait ! Best of luck! 

   Using both outer rails tied together has a connection advantage, especially for traction tire locos where a loco has tires on only the left or right side.

    The outer rails get dirtier faster, so an additional rail to draw from is great. (You should be thrilled with O's ability to run well on dirty track that would stop HO dead in it's tracks...literally.)   You can still isolate sections of rail for accessories, etc..too.