putting two old Lionel O Gauge 3 tubular rail activator tracks end to end

I'm not sure, but I don't see why you can't have two activator tracks together. Maybe someone will come along and explain to us.

@wizzer posted:

In my yard is it advisable and possible to put two old Lionel activator tracks butted together end to end and still have them function properly with cattle car, milk car, coal dump car, log dump car?

If you want to operate two cars, end to end, at the same time, you may need some space between the tracks for the mechanisms to line up on the control section of these tracks. Also, remember that the cars you list are of different lengths.

Other than that, put the tracks end to end and there will be no problems

Most engines have two rollers. You have to watch that the two uncoupling magnets, which are a dead spot, do not get under both rollers at the same time. 

Dave, I do not plan to use engines on this yard track.  Just to have "action cars" stationary on them and the activation tracks.  Wizzer

I plan to wire the activation sections minus the uncoupling.  I don't need it and I understand that it is just a drain on power anyway.  The yard track will be on a separate transformer and is really a dead end into a mountain and two dead ends in the yard on the layout.  The yard track is not hooked up to any of the main lines so the transformers will not have to be in phase.  Am I missing anything?

There is no issue hooking up the coupler line - it doesn't draw power unless activated. You can also use the screw terminals on the track pieces to actually POWER the track too.

Thanks to all of you who reeplied about the action tracks being butted up end to end.

Now who wants to tackle my other question about extending an isolated track thru a 90 degree Fastack crossover?

Extending an isolated rail through a Fastrack 90 is possible, but it takes some work. Basically, you will need to cut the associated grounding straps on the underside AND take a dremel or similar tool to cut through the outside rails to separate them at the corners.

By "you will need to cut the associated grounding straps on the underside" do you mean remove the two grounding straps that connect the two outer rails?

And by "take a dremel or similar tool to cut through the outside rails to separate them at the corners" do you mean ALL corners or just the corners on the isolated rail side?

I might be stupid but I need further clarification.  To me there are 4 corners of metal track on the 90 degree Fastrack crossover.  Let's say corners 1 and 2 are the corners on the isolated side I am trying to create.  Corners 3 and 4 are NOT on the side I am trying to isolate.  Would I only need to "cut through the outside rails to separate them at the corners"  in corners 1 and 2 and not in all four corners?  OR would I have to "cut through the outside rails to separate them at the corners"  in ALL  FOUR CORNERS?

You can cut or remove the grounding straps, and for ease, you can do them all to no real detriment (Alternatively, you can think through the logic and orientation and get super specific, but that is more trouble than it is worth and error prone if spacial awareness and manipulation isn't a strength IMHO)

As for the cutting the corners, same rule applies - you can cut them all and be done with it, or think it through and get specific.

It won't directly create a dead spot because the rails will still get power through the pins of connected track where necessary (however, there are some configurations where if all track paths must go through the 90, additional power taps will be needed, but don't see that as a bad thing - it is best practice to have multiple power taps to the track on a layout)

Here is what I did for control rail at my 364 Log Conveyor and Milk Platform.  I took the control rails out of a 6019 track and spliced them to make an additional control rail that works with the adjoining UCS Track.  I can dump logs into the 364 Log conveyor using the UCS Track, or unload milk cans onto the platform by use of the additional control rail I added, which is wired to the adjoining UCS Track, thus uses the same button on the controller.

Detail of my spliced control rail taken from a 6019 track section mounted on a piece of bass wood cut to fit between the rails.  The control rail is 2 sections from a 6019, I trimmed the curved ends and spliced 2 together to make a longer rail.

Here is what I did for my 97 Coal Loader.  I used the magnet and control rails out of a 6019 and spliced them into the track.  This way, I can uncouple the dump car in front of the 97 unload bin, with the slide shoes of the dump car over the control rails.  Again, the control rails taken from a 6019 track section mounted on a piece of bass wood cut to fit between the rails.

Steve

Steve, re: "I can dump logs into the 364 Log conveyor using the UCS Track"

I have always assumed my Fastrack next to my 364 Log conveyor was too low andthat it was not possible for dumping logs into/onto the Log conveyor unless I raised the track another inch or so.  Did you have to raise your track to be almost as high as the "dump zone" on the conveyor?

Steve 24944:

I have lost the approx. inch long "pin or bar" that is inserted in the plastic holder between the tubular tracks of a Lionel Cattle loader.  Do you suppose I could just replace it with another piece of metal of that size and inserted in the holder?

bmoran4,  here is the Fastrack layout plan I am using.  I like it because there are no switches in it yet the train changes direction.  You will note there are two 90 degree crossovers in this layout.  One on the left and one to the right of that in the middle of the layout.  My intention was to place the grade crossing with flashers between the left and right 90 degree crossovers.  The train, when in operation, will always be going left to right in this area of the layout.  The "trigger zone" I am trying to extend will go past the left 90 degree crossover into and include the second curve piece to the left of that crossover.  I will do what you suggested be done to that left 90 degree crossover and make sure I have more than one power tab (hubs?) in this layout.  Thanks for all your help.

I might also note that I have expanded this layout to a 7' X 11' configuration.

@wizzer posted:

Steve, re: "I can dump logs into the 364 Log conveyor using the UCS Track"

I have always assumed my Fastrack next to my 364 Log conveyor was too low andthat it was not possible for dumping logs into/onto the Log conveyor unless I raised the track another inch or so.  Did you have to raise your track to be almost as high as the "dump zone" on the conveyor?

No, I did not have to raise the UCS track at the 364 Log Loader.  Works just fine. 

Steve

@wizzer posted:

Steve 24944:

I have lost the approx. inch long "pin or bar" that is inserted in the plastic holder between the tubular tracks of a Lionel Cattle loader.  Do you suppose I could just replace it with another piece of metal of that size and inserted in the holder?

I'm not familiar with the Lionel Cattle loader.  Give it a try, and try to use a substitute pin.  If that doesn't work, try again with something else. 

Steve