It can be difficult to accurately estimate how many meters of OO track can be covered with a 250g bag of ballast, as...
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How many meters of OO track can I cover with a 250g bag of ballast ?Read more -
What are my curved platform options in model railways?Read moreA good many real-life platforms have some sort of curve incorporated into them to accommodate either the topography...
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How can I create a reversing loop with Y-shaped turnout on my layout?Read moreA reversing loop is a section of track that allows a train to change direction without reversing. Reversing loops can...
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How do you design a track plan?Read moreThere are several different ways to design a track plan for your model railway project. There is no right or wrong...
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How do I connect track?Read moreThe track is connected using rail joiners, also called "fishplates". They are thin metal plates that simply slot...
What is an isolating track section?
An isolated track section is a section of model railway track that is physically connected to other tracks on a layout but is electrically insulated, meaning the rails are not live. An isolating track section is one way of achieving this.
There are many reasons why you would want to isolate a section of track on a layout, the simplest of which is to keep a locomotive still at the end of a siding while driving a second into the same siding. Another more complicated reason would be when creating a returning loop where the track requires isolation in order to reverse its polarity. Whatever the reason, a break in the rails will be needed to prevent power from reaching the section.
For permanent isolation, a homemade break in the rails or the use of isolating rail joiners provides a cost-effective and easy solution, but for isolated sections that require the power being switched on or off regularly, a manufactured isolating track section is a much better option.
For all intents and purposes, a manufactured isolating track section is simply a regular section of track with a break engineered into it at the factory, the advantage being that the break is properly insulated with a specifically designed plastic moulding to the sleepers. Such track sections also feature sockets to facilitate a switch being fitted, therefore, making the job neat, tidy, durable and reliable.
Posted in: Tracks
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