Does the Kato double crossover section of track need power feeder track section at both ends for both lanes. I recently installed one, an the locomotive stops when it get halfway through when changing lanes. I was wondering what the issue could be, obviously it is a power: electrical issue. Would appreciate some help/ feedback. Thanks
You need four sets of feeders, one set for each arm of the double crossover. I have four double crossovers on my large around the room N scale layout, which has been fully operational going on eight years. Have fun with it...... Shades
Thanks for the reply and information. So do the 4 power feeders need to be the small pieces of track that have the power hookup on the bottom, or can I use the unijoiners that have power hookups connected to them. I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Thanks
You can use either the feeder track, Unijoiner feeders or make your own Unijoiner feeders - http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/how_to_make_kato_unitrack_feed.html Also, if your layout is pretty basic (not divided up into power blocks) you may not need all 4 feeders. If it were just 2 ovals with the double crossover connecting them you would only need a feeder for the inner and outer loop. Basically, you just want to keep in mind that the double crossover isn't power routing like the regular turnouts so every segment connected to it needs to receive power somehow. I ran this Unitrack layout with just 2 feeders for awhile and because of the turnout power routing there were no dead spots unless a siding was closed off.
Shades is correct - use all four feeders. you can usually get away without all the feeders for a short time (or a test layout), but if you want the layout to last, solder the feeders. The best place to attach on the double crossover is the underside of the short sections on each leg. Power through the joiners is not really a good idea, no matter who tells you it is. Basic electricity tells you that you do not rely on current flowing through dis-similar metals. Like Shades, I solder a set of feeders to each piece of track - multiple sets to turnouts. My last layout went over twelve years without an electrical issue - came down for another reason. The new one is following the same plan - why mess with success? Don
So then when laying a Kato Double crossover do I need to use insulated rail joiner on one side of each connection? The Double crossover I just bought didn't have the insulators on so it confused me. I would appreciate any feed back I can get. Thanks
They ARE insulated even though there isn't the black rail joiners on the ends? Please clarify if u would, I appreciate your patience. Thanks.
The four individual switches are isolated from each other. There is usually no reason to isolate the crossover from the adjoining track coming off each leg.
I'm probably making this more difficult than it is, but I'm looking for pictures/illustration on how to install and wire with extra feeds for a Kato Double Crossover. I would appreciate feedback and also want to say Thanks for patience in answering my questions. I appreciate it.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions, especially if you are not completely understanding the responses. But, let's try to be specific, what are you not understanding? Is your layout DC or DCC? How are you using the crossover? Is there a reversing loop? Are you setting up for permanent layout, or using the Unitrack for setup/takedown?
My layout is DC. I am using Unitrack, and the crossover is being send just to connect inside and outside tracks. I am just wondering the best way to do it. Do I use just the blue/ white wire that has Unijoiners at the end, or do I use connector track 20-041, or. 20-284. I understand I don't need to do anything with insulator connector though, so at each end of the crossover on both tracks I need power to both tracks is what I understand. Sorry to bother everyone.
Ok, that is a beginning. If you don't plan this to be permanently set, you can simply use another of the feeder tracks on the inner loop (one on inner, one on outer). Just make sure the polarity is the same. If you want the inner and outer on separate controllers, you can connect two, one to each feeder track. Now, if you plan to permanently set this up, then you do not want to rely on the unijoiners, forever. That is why most of us who use Unitrack solder feeders directly to the track, on each section. If look under each section, you can see openings where the track shows. There are wider ones right near the ends, which make for good places to solder 22 or 24 AWG feeders. On turnouts, and crossover, you can do this at the ends of each leg. The #4s require opening the underside, so should be left until you are comfortable with the process.
There are really only two things that will stop a locomotive halfway through a crossover. One is a short circuit. If both tracks are wired with the same polarity, this won't happen even if two power packs are in use. The other is dead rail. Dirty switch points can cause this with some switches. The spot where the points contact the rail must be clean--both pieces of metal--to carry electricity on certain turnouts.
acptulsa, Thanks for the info and the help. Right now I think my issue is not having power hooked up to all for ends of the Double Crossover. I am exploring the he easiest and best way to do that with my novice level in the electrical area. Thanks again.
The easiest and safest is four pairs of wire-equipped joiners. The cheapest and longest-lasting is learning how to solder. Wrap the wire close around the rail joiner, low between the rail ends, then warm the area and dab a drop of solder in.
Hey coach, I sent you a private message. The recommendations in this thread are great for a serious modeler with a large layout but that doesn't sound like where you're at. Check out the video I sent and feel free to message me if you want another newbie's perspective after a few months of success in the hobby. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
