cityofchester

Isolated joiners have been used where there is a break in the track as shown by the diagram. Why is it not ideal to use points to isolate tracks from each other? How else do people usually connect one track to another (ie by a simple cross over like the one seen near to the bridge where the green line runs over the other two)? Is it standard to use isolation points (on both rails) wherever they connect to another track? If this is the case I'm not sure on the benefit over reversing the points.

Thank you all for your replies. Since my original post I have been running my layout using my older controllers (one from 1987) and have had no problems. I have attached a very simplified diagram of my layout. Three controllers, I have shown where I have breaks in the track, all the points shown are insulfrogs. The green line is obviously the more controversial one. I have designed it so when running the green onto the other lines, I can reverse the points to keep the circuits separate (hence why I have included some of the sidings and passing loops in the diagram). If this is forgotten could this cause a problem to the controller? (I apologise for my lack of technical terms - I am completely self taught!). Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, John.

The transformer does have a dual output - it is the one recommended for that controller. The two tracks are connected but not sure what you mean by 'forming a connection between the two side of the dual controller'. I have eliminated any shorting due to electrofrogs, the only area of concern is the diamond crossing as one line crosses over the other and some locos seem to short out here (which I tried to eliminate by extending the frogs). If you think this could be the problem then i'll just take them out but it's strange they've never caused a problem before with a controller. Really what I'm trying to get to the bottom of is should occasional shorting cause a controller to damage and not work or should it be tripping out before this? Thanks

Thank you Polybear - I was under the same opinion especially after cheaper plastic Hornby ones produced no problems.

Hi. I decided to upgrade my plastic Hornby controllers with a Gaugemaster dual panel controller (UD) which I fitted with the T1 transformer and the fitting kit. It worked for a few days then both outputs developed a fault. There was power going to both tracks (shown by the red light) but went out under load (ie when a locomotive was on the track). I sent it back to Gaugemaster who replaced both fets and it once again worked fine for a few days. One side has now once again developed the same fault. Any ideas? My gut reaction is there maybe a fault with the transformer. The fault didn't develop over prolonged use and it is well ventilated so I don't think there is any over-heating. It worked perfectly for a time so it is unlikely it has been wired up incorrectly (which I am pretty sure is not the case). My layout operated fine with my previous controller though I have a mixture of insulfrog and electrofrog points - I don't think I have made any errors with respect to these. The only problem I have had in the past is with a diamond insulfrog crossing where some locomotives appeared to short-circuit as they travelled over it - I fixed this by applying nail varnish to the section of rail immediately adjacent to the frog. Can repeated shorting cause this type of fault with a controller? I'm obviously reluctant to return it once again to Gaugemaster if there is a problem elsewhere. Thank you in advance for any help. John