Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: britemansr on March 08, 2021, 04:21:21 PM

Title: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: britemansr on March 08, 2021, 04:21:21 PM
I have a new HO layout with an auto-reversing loop. I use a Digitrax DSC-52 controller and a AR-1 reverse loop module.  I'm using EZ track and am using 2 Bachmann 44597 isolated track unlatched to create the track gap. I have tried adjusting the AR-1 but as my locomotive crosses the 2nd 44597, the track shorts out. What am I doing wrong?
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: plint on March 12, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
Where are the isolated pieces?  Are they after each side of the turnout, where the loop begins with 1 and ends at the other?  At the other end of the turnout where the train enters, here is where your "Main" wires should connect to the AR1 "Main" terminals and the "loop" wires connect to the "loop" terminals.  These "loop" wires should come from within the reverse loop, between the 2 isolated track pieces.
I use 2 AR1's and the Digitrax Evolution and code 100 track and Peco turnouts.  Not familiar with EZ track but I'm sure it's the same idea electrically.

What does "unlatched" mean?  No rail joiners?
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: jward on March 12, 2021, 12:40:24 PM
How long is the reversing section you are trying to control? Is it shorter than the trains you are running?
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: Terry Toenges on March 12, 2021, 05:06:15 PM
It means they are unlatched.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/bmz_cache/7/702fb8d02cfa62301bca0aad9aab0d84.image.400x177.jpg)
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: plint on March 12, 2021, 06:53:11 PM
That looks like a lot more work than just using insulated (plastic ) rail joiners.
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: jward on March 12, 2021, 07:50:56 PM
And way more expensive too.
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: plint on March 12, 2021, 08:26:34 PM
YES!!! ;D
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: Terry Toenges on March 12, 2021, 10:24:31 PM
It depends. By the time you try to pry off the regular rail joiners from E-Z Track without breaking some of the plastic "spikes" holding the rail and cutting some space under the rail without breaking some of the plastic "spikes" to fit the extra thickness of the insulated rail joiners, it's just as easy to slide a couple latches over.
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: Len on March 13, 2021, 12:39:04 AM
I find it's easier to put gaps where I want them using a cutoff disk in a Dremel tool, then filling the gap with a dab of white glue to keep the rails from touching.

Len
Title: Re: Isolated 9" straight track troubleshooting
Post by: plint on March 13, 2021, 08:48:50 AM
That sounds much better.