I am building a multi-track (4) O27 layout with multiple insulated sections on each. Each track intersects at least one other track. I plan to use multiple transformers. Can I use one common ground? Should the ground “loop” be open-ended or closed? Any advise would be appreciated.
Ken
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Multi transformers will be fine. That way a short (whats that?) on one won't shut the whole thing down. Common ground is also fine. Just make sure you have the transformers phased. My layout uses a closed loop (twice around) with no problems yet.
Thanks for the response. If there is a short, how do I find it?
Good question. I had a short a couple of years ago. My layout is 40 years old and was built with used O27 track.
First of all I run conventional, have my whole layout blocked and have three transformers and three main loops. Isolated the blocks and determine in which section the short was located. I took all the trains off the track. Check the track for pieces of wire or metal and look for screws from the locos running gear and check areas of maintience recently done. It the old days, with a Christmas tree on the layout, pieces of metal tinsel would get on the track and short. In this case I was able to isolate the short to one of the loops.
I then used low voltage from the transformer to let current go to the rails but not enough to throw my 6 amp circuit breaker. Then I felt all the tracks especially at the track pins and at the 27 Marx metal switches in both directions. If that does not turn up any hot spots then feel every rail of the center track again looking to feel a hot rail. I found one on a center rail at one of the metal ties insulator. I was able to install a piece of plastic electrical tape between the rail and the tie to fix it.
Hope this helps.
Charlie
That electrical tape insulator may have a short life span. Maybe change out that piece of track.
To locate the source of a short, one way is to isolate the layout with electrical blocks. Turn all toggles off then bring them back on line one at a time until the short reappears.
On small or temporary layouts pull apart collective segments of track starting furthest from power feeds.
Look for shifted middle rail insulators, pieces of train equipment touching middle rail & metal tie, nicked or broken wire, excessive insulation removed from a wire permitting + & - contact.
Remove roller equipped engines/cars one at a time while checking for short.
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