TMCC and Insulated track sections

That video is wrong.  TMCC works fine with insulated track sections.  I have signals on my layout that all use insulated rail sections.  The longest one is well over 100 feet.  TMCC locos run great everywhere.

There are a lot of TMCC myths out there and this is one of them.

That is horrible- I thought that this OGR video was supposed to be the 'bible' of TMCC videos- Thanks very much- helps a lot-Rolf

If with 3 rail you insulated one outside rail, then the other outside rail would be continuous with the tmcc signal common connection. So not a problem.

I am really wondering why the video stated that you should not put insulated pins on any outside rail when using TMCC- an OGR video!!

luvatenor posted:

I am really wondering why the video stated that you should not put insulated pins on any outside rail when using TMCC- an OGR video!!

generally it's good advice because the TMCC signal is carried on the outside rails. You could potentially create enough interruptions using insulated rails to degrade the signal. This causes a novice to ask questions before doing it and having a bad experience.  

The workaround is to use "capacitive coupling" on the rails that have insulated sections.

Start around 20 minutes in this video

Elliott has used this on his 'Dream/Nightmare" layout as he has many insulated sections to create blocks (both outside insulated) for train detection feedback that is used with his computer controlled system. (JMRI) It may be a little more than a year ago that this was discussed. A 1000+ feet of track.

Thank you for the info-just started to get into TMCC- so much to learn-Rolf

luvatenor posted:

I am really wondering why the video stated that you should not put insulated pins on any outside rail when using TMCC- an OGR video!!

old video.

I was aware of that being on VHS, but I wanted a basic foundation in TMCC before I integrated it on my existing layout- I didn't think that basic principles would change dramatically. Thanks for your reply.

Our club layout uses insulated track sections for signals over much of the track, TMCC/Legacy works fine on the layout.

Rolf, as Carl and Bob pointed out, it is entirely possible to run TMCC / Legacy with just one outside rail carrying the signal. Activating accessories over short segments is no problem at all. As Carl mentioned, the entire mainline on my layout has detection, so one rail is always insulated. The use of a .1μf capacitor bridging the gap will allow the radio signal to pass through, without allowing the electricity to energize the section unless the train is present.

There is still the potential issue of traction tires on locomotives. They will reduce the ground rail contact points, perhaps down to one or two wheels. Keep in mind that once the engine enters the insulated section, the ground signal is jumped to the insulated rail, so conditions return back to "normal" (both rails with ground and command signal). This is why I question the need for the bridging capacitors at all.

I've got 13 different blocks on my layout and use insulated sections. TMCC works just fine. 

I am starting to regret having looked at that video- I know it is an old one but I thought it would give me a good foundation- This is the video I watched:

Throw the video out. When TMCC first came out there was all kinds of bad info being put out. No ones fault just pure speculation. Just use this forum. If you have questions they will be answered here.

have fun

Rod Miller

Great advice- Rich Melvin was the instructor on the video- thought it was the best source of info, especially with him giving info-Thanks again-Rolf

It may not be entirely Rich's fault, the timeframe of the video was before a lot of experience and knowledge about TMCC/Legacy signals was available.  It could have been the best information at the time of publication.

Actually it was a wonderful introduction to a system that I was new to- very helpful-  This forum and it's members provide invaluable information for me- much thanks-Rolf