Derailing at isolating joiners

[Aussie Fred]

I know it has been discussed but couldn't find it and after 3 pages (of 334), all of them irrelevant, I gave up so raised this new thread.

I have made my new DCC layout mainlines into 3 blocks, each block seperated by isolating joiners or fishplates. On first run, I get constant derails at one isolating joiner and can feel a definate gap where the joiner is and one rail is slightly higher than the other. I assume the easy fix is to replace that joiner, but I am now wondering whether I really need the blocks. My layout is 4.8M X 1.8M and the mainline goes all the way around the outside, about 13 metre total run.

What does the forum think. It would not be an onerous task to replace the Isolating fishplates with metal ones

[P-Henny]

....... and one rail is slightly higher than the other.

 

 

Go to the pinned sticky threads at the top of the 'General Discussion' forum and open the 'FAQ Index' sticky.

Open the top link for FAQ 1. Scroll down the page and you will find a close up photo of a mis-fitted rail joiner (metal not plastic) that creates a raised rail. Could this photo be showing the reason why you have a raised rail on your track join.

Whilst in the 'FAQ Index' pinned sticky have a read of FAQ 2 which focuses in general on derailments and states the raised rail as being a common cause of derailment.

[rct]

sounds like a bad connection if it feels one rail is higher then check connection.

[ntpntpntp]

Not really a DCC question as such, it's more a general track laying problem where it sounds like the rail is not correctly fitted into the isolating joiner and/or the track sections are not level with each other, causing one rail to be raised. Fix the root cause, don't be tempted to try and correct the problem by filing the top of the rail head as that ruins the surface.

[Aussie Fred]

As I said, the PLASTIC isolating joiner is the problem and I could replace it with another, but my main query was do the experts think I need to seperate this size layout with blocks (designed for easy location of faults or shorts) With all metal fishplates properly fitted, there is no problem with raised or uneven track. If is any help, the bus wires are connected to track every 300mm to 500mm.

[Brew Man]

@Ausie Fres

In answer to the second part of your question, is it necessary to split the layout into separate block, my answer is, no it isn't. Provided your layout isn't huge, which it isn't and your power supply is capable of sourcing enough current, there is nothing to be gained by having isolated blocks.

[96RAF]

There is much talk of split blocks for fault finding, but once the bus is wired correctly initially then there shouldn’t be a need for any isolated fault finding.

[Aussie Fred]

Thanks fellas, I will remove all those dodgy plastic joiners tomorrow and see how it goes.

[Brew Man]

Just make sure when you replace them with metal ones that they are properly seated. It's very easy to slide the rail over the top of the fish plate without noticing and that would cause the step you mentioned.

[ModelerXYZ]

As a DCC layout, blocking is totally unneccessarry unless the layout is large enough to take up both spots of a double garage, or you can run more than 8 trains at the same time on it. (good luck with that...) Check that the fishplates are attached properly. The tops of the rails should align. If they don't, the fishplate is likely to not be attached properly. Plastic fishplates more than metal can easily only half go on, and that will make the joint uneven.

I am assuming new track. On my layout, I used reclaimed track from a previous line, and that made problems with uneven rail wear. The best solution for that was a file, or i bent the fishplates to suit, (The equivilent of lift plates on a real line).

XYZ

[What About The Bee]

One quibble XYZ. A minor one to be sure, and certainly, you have more experience than I.

Isolating rail joiners can be utilized to create blocks. Blocks can be used to create block detection and further, with the right kit, transponding. Not only will you know the isolated block is occupied, but you can know which locomotive is occupying the block.

Now that feature set would be very useful for actual automation, and may be far beyond what Aussie Fred requires. Full automation is in my interests and therefore, 8 locomotives in simultaneous motion is not beyond reach.

Bee

[ModelerXYZ]

Bee, If its automation you want, I believe stingray&RAF are working on loco detection systems. I don't like automation, I want to drive trains, which is why I reverted back to DC. I can't control more than 2 or 3, and I don't like the computer doing it.

XYZ

[Aussie Fred]

I have removed those plastic isolating joiners and replaced them with metal ones and now all perfect. I don't need to switch on all "blocks" but I figure it will run better with less distance for power to travel with them all on.

Thanks again all for you advice.