Hi Vern, Steve,
I understand the concept! My question is really about implementation - where are these connectors at the end of these illustrated jumpers for sale. I tried Del City and no luck. Searched elsewhere, no luck.
Steve - I see that Fastrack block section 6-12060 that you are referring to - it has these jumpers with thin silver plates having two slots that allow rounded tabs from rails to be inserted through them and bent back secure - see pic. I have also seen these thin plate and slotted terminal connectors used over rail tabs also with the Fastrack 1 3/8 " straight track so you can remove a jumper to create a block.
These flat silver plates with two slots look to be an electrical terminal connector, likely crimped on or soldered with shrink tube. I am not aware of Lionel selling these or recommending these connectors. They do recommend a different connector type to connect to wire power and ground rails, which you can (and I have) purchased at Del City.
My only question - where are these connectors sold, or are these home made? I am certainly not going to buy block tracks and cannabalize for connectors.
Is soldering the only real alternative to these connectors illustrated to create a rail bus?
-Ken
