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I got my first order of Atlas O track and as I get closer to putting it down I have a few basic questions:

 

 

1) Some of the clip/snap sections on the ties at the end of the Atlas O pieces were broken off when they arrived -- is this a problem in terms of them staying together when the track is laid?  

 

2) When ballasting, how do I prevent shorting out the feed wires?  

 

3) Should I get the track down before worrying about wiring?  I'm looking at a 13'x20' around the wall linear, hi-rail design.  I would like to use TMCC/Legacy but keep the wiring as simple/basic as possible.  I find the wiring/command control side of things has me really stressed.  

 

Any help/suggestions are appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

Brian

Last edited by Lackawanna1223
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To answer your questions:

 

1. Don't use any roadbed. GarGraves and Atlas O ties are twice as high as they should be anyway. Cover your entire land area with ceiling tiles if you don't wish to use Homasote. Ballasting the track without any roadbed puts it at a realistic height.

 

2 The snap locks are not necessary. I use a sheet rock screw between ties here and there to temporarily hold the track until it's ballasted. The glue that holds the ballast will also hold the track.

 

3. Shorting out the feed wires is not an issue--just let the ballast dry before running your trains. Who runs trains over wet ballast, anyway?

 

4. TMCC requires no special wiring. Simply add power drops every 6 to 10 feet or so while you are laying your track. Add drops on each leg of any turnouts and you'll be good to go!

 

Dennis Brennan

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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