Lionel FastTrack | Three-Rail Innovations' "How To" Papers | BACK |
Three-Rail Innovations has prepared "how to" papers targeted to the toy train operator to help with electrical and wiring needs. We specifically address using an insulated track outside rail to activate accessories.
Sources for the electrical devices mentioned in the papers can be found in our Supplies web page.
| Using Isolated Outside-Rails with Various Track Systems |
An isolated outside-rail can be implemented with any track system. Click the bar for a general discussion or any of the following images for the pictured commercial track system.
Lionel FastTrack
Lionel/K-Line SuperStreets
Atlas O 3-Rail 21st Century Track System
MTH RailKing RealTrax
| Operating Accessories with an Insulated Track Rail |
Three-rail toy train track provides a distinct advantage for the toy train operator wanting to use the position of trains to operate trackside accessories or to control train action: the track itself can be used for a low-cost, practically invisible, mechanism for detecting a train's location.
| Insulating Outside Rails of High-Rail Track |
High rail track sections with an isolated outside rail are commercially available, but only the conventional length straight sections. Any track section, straight, long straight, or curves, can have an outside rail isolated using the technique covered in this paper.
| Making Invisible Electrical Connections to High-Rail Track |
The toy train operator using high-rail, tubular track can make invisible electrical track connections by inserting the blades of male quick-disconnect terminals between the sides of a track rail. These connections are secure, electrically efficient, and can be made at low cost.