GARDEN RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION: TOP FIVE MYTHS EXPOSED ABOUT ELECTRIC POWER OUTDOOR

sparky230 said:
my track may be a overkill, as all the joints are soldered, apart from railclamps on points, multiple dc feeds around the track.
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Me too! I do rely on current-collecting trail cars for small locos and those without skates, and I spray a mist of CRC 2-26 cleaner lubricant on any track areas showing poor conductivity--problem solved after a couple of passes by the regular train. Has made it possible to operate without manual track cleaning for 15 years (even with a substantial tree canopy).
 
These days I just wish I still had a railway.........................................
 
For running electrical trains in the garden I have found that the skates used by LGB, Marklin and some other locos help a great deal.
I also solder a jumper cable across every joint, or from an extra feeder cable every few meters.

This works for me.

For a quick running session I just grab the battery car and press "Go"
 
hagen said:
For running electrical trains in the garden I have found that the skates used by LGB, Marklin and some other locos help a great deal.
I also solder a jumper cable across every joint, or from an extra feeder cable every few meters.

This works for me.

For a quick running session I just grab the battery car and press "Go"
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My sentiments precisely !!!!!!!!
 
No need for large bulky clamps, i use fishplates, also handy for connecting decoders or other railpowered lineside electronics. And a cheaper in the end and looks so much better :D

 

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I've seen those fishplates. Rather pricey but an excellent solution.
 
palmerston said:
No need for large bulky clamps, i use fishplates, also handy for connecting decoders or other railpowered lineside electronics. And a cheaper in the end and looks so much better :D

Madman said:
I've seen those fishplates. Rather pricey but an excellent solution.
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Indeed an excellent solution but IMO Massoth clamps are neither bulky or expensive. Palmerston's fishplates are very pleasing to the eye though.
 
Yep....fishplate is the way to go.......
Helps you not to get clamp in the legs........

Perch_fish_on_plate.jpg
 
PhilP said:
Perch on a plate?? ???

Looks to be lying down to me!! :o ;) ;)
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Yes I had to purchase it in stages as it came from an expensive store.........I got it by 'higher perches'..........hat, coat, door...... :D :D :'(
 
This thread is no more! It has ceased to be! 'It's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'It's a stiff! Bereft of life, It rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'it to the perch 'it'd be pushing up the daisies! Its metabolic processes are now 'istory! It's off the twig! It's kicked the bucket, it's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-THREAD!! Max ;)

Apologies to Cleese. J and Palin. M Could not resist it...on a number of levels.
 
had to be done https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmcz2vYKjs


Hat, coat
 
Thanks to everyone for a very enlightening discussion. Such strongly held views and passion. Great stuff! I followed the thread because after 10 years of live steam and battery power, I'm attempting to try track power on my 45mm Peco garden railway (with standard rail joiners). This has been prompted by the arrival of Thomas and friends, and my grandchildren finally showing a bit of interest. I couldn't bring myself to attempt to convert Thomas (his eyes seemed to be watching me), so I though I'd have a go through the track with the supplied analogue controller. Much to my surprise he ran quite smoothly over most of my railway - after my usual going over with a plastic scourer on the end of a stick, and soldering the primary electrical connection. He performed best on sections where I hadn't touched anything for many years (ie not breaking the electrical connection). I've now spent a day replacing some sections and generally levelling things up. I've put a secondary power feed about half-way round, but I don't think it was actually necessary. My initial go at track power is a success so far. Why didn't I try it before?
 
Dont know what your problems are Tony. Been track powered now for nearly ten years, Just rail joiners and grease. Hardly a problem. at all. The track cleaning loco helps greatly though.
 
I don't think that's entirely true. I think there are folk who simply don't want to get involved with wiring (no matter how simple), and also I suspect there are those who actually like the idea of the power and control being in the loco rather through the track. Half-way down the path to the dark arts of R/C live steam, but without the mess and burnt fingers!
 
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