Hi Ed and all -- While having some significant pressure of the points against the stock rails helps, as Ed points out (no pun) debris, corrosion, paint or bad fit are more likely culprits. In case you doubt my word, just take a bare, small gauge wire just long enough to bridge the running rails (VERY little weight) and lay it across your track. Instant short, almost guaranteed. The "hinge" at the heel of the point is also a likely point of electrical discontinuity, usually from corrosion or infiltration of a foreign substance (gluing ballast).
Bill Winans ------------------------ > My concern was that the point was so long and relied on rail contact for > power rather than switching which creates ample opportunity for power loss > Ben Trousdale -------------------------- Pardon me if I may offer a contrary opinion. I like using the point pressure against the stock rails for track power all the way to the far side of the all-metal soldered frog. There are several advantages: (1) simplified wiring, (2) no SPDT and reduced cost, (3) if the point is not pressed firmly against the stock rail, it is probably due to a piece of ballast or foilage or dirt. If the point is not firmly against the stock rail, it is more likely to cause a derailment. A power outage is therefore a good warning that the points need to be inspected for trapped debris. Call it a derailment early alert system in disguise. I've been using only point pressure for power routing for many years without any problems. One reason for this is the SwitchMaster motors which apply a LOT of pressure. Unlike the Tortoise motors which are relatively wimpy in comparison. Another reason for success is the room is very clean and dust/dirt free. I suppose a filthy environment would make a difference, but dirty environments have lots of other disadvantages as well. Just making a point (pun intended)....Ed L.
