Testing Tubular Track after Replacing Ties

I use an ohmmeter before I put it back into the layout so I don't have any shorts when I power up.

Those of us making 5 rail learned to test before putting the loops together.

Steve

Test each piece of track with an ohm meter before it get to layout.

An Ohm Meter test is a good idea. But as you assemble the track it twists some and ties move. It is good to power up every few sections of track to make sure that a tested good track didn't change to bad.

And if you don't have an ohmmeter, just take power from the transformer and do the 'spark test' between the center and one of the outside rails. Spark - no good. If you live near a Harbor Freights Tool store, they regularly give multimeters away with any purchase. It's a cheapie, but they work.

Jim

To what others have said about testing it BEFORE putting it on the layout, I would add, push down on the track some too, especially the center rail.

I test every section of track before installing, even if it's brand new and never modified. It takes a few seconds but can save hours of work. During the construction of my layout, I've come across a few defective pieces of brand-new track, so in my opinion it's worth it to check every piece. 

John 

I use a continuity tester on each piece.  

You guys are awesome thanks for the suggestions all good input I appreciate it

Joe Gozzo

Are you reusing older original insulation pads,or making new ones ? 

If new what are you using ?

Maybe I'm more primitive than I others, but I always do one of the following:

• Put 5 or so sections together and then test.  If there's a problem, find the bad one(s) and replace.  If you're good (which should be most of the time), you just saved yourself 5 individual tests.
  
  
• Attach a lockon to the first section you're installing and wire it to a transformer.  Turn the voltage to 20 volts.  Continue attaching sections to this powered section.  As someone noted, if there is any sparking when you touch the next section's pins to the ends of the previously installed (and powered) sections, stop and check the insulation on the piece you're putting in.  There should be no sparking whatsoever when connecting a new piece to the powered rail.

Testing each piece with a voltmeter is obviously better/surer, but either of the above works and may be faster if most of your track is in good shape.

YMMV.

Steven J. Serenska

mackb4 posted:

Are you reusing older original insulation pads,or making new ones ? 

If new what are you using ?

you can buy new ones from standardgauge track.