68 Collectable Model Trains: Track Laying: How can I operate my signals without those pesky pressure plates?
Description
This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.
68 Collectable Model Trains: Track Laying: How can I operate my signals without those pesky pressure plates?
There are a variety of electronic gadgets for this purpose. For these
see the companies in MODIFICATIONS. The most popular method is to use
an insulated track section. These are made by carefully prying out one
outer rail and inserting insulators in each crosstie like those in the
center rail. These are easily made from a piece of index card covered
by a layer of electrical tape. Firmly press the rail back in place
with the insulators underneath. Be careful not to puncture them.
Insert an insulating fiber pin in either end of the rail, and connect
a lockon to that side of the track. Use the connection to the outside
"common" rail as a lead for the common on the accessory. Connect the
center rail to your variable transformer supply and the other
accessory lead to your transformer accessory supply. This method will
obviously not be able to trigger the green and red lights of a block
signal properly, but it will work on gatemen, crossing gate,
semaphores and other on/off signals.
The more technological approach to the problem is the use of
electronic sensors to monitor train position. These may use infrared
or signal based detection method. Some are meant for DC use only.
Trigger Max
Genco Industries
PO Box 350
2920 Avenue R
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Phone: 718-769-7430
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