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In keeping with a traditional look, I have used 3- rail, 0 gauge tubular track with lock-ons.  I have installed a bus line around the layout and plan on attaching the lock-ons via suitcase connectors to that bus line so that there will be no voltage drops.  I realize the center rail is hot while the outer rails are neutral.  My lock-ons, however, will have to be reversed at times so that several of them will not attach to the same neutral rail as the others.  My thinking is that there is no difference in making those connections inasmuch as neutral is neutral, regardless of the side of the track the lock-on is attached.  But if there are any implications that I've overlooked or should consider, please advise.  Thanks.

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Take a piece of your track and study it carefully, following the circuit made when a connection is made to one of the outside rails, how it is physically connected to the cross ties, and how there is no current conducted(short circuit) to the center rail(due to the insulators). Continue on past the center rail to the other outside rail and observe its physical connection to the ties, and I think you will see the answer.

Just a suggestion.....Lay your track out the way you are talking. Now power up your transformer. Using your handy-dandy test meter check every section of track to verify that all is fine....so far. If you're happy with your findings, power down. Place your engine on the track. Make sure that you DO NOT use one of your favourite pieces. Now power up and run you locomotive through its' paces. If everything proves to be acceptable, transfer your test track to your layout. I hope that you find my suggestion helpful. I'll go back to my senior citizens corner now.

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