Two and three rail operations on the same track with some Hornby Dublo, Wrenn and even Tri-ang.

[@premikyam2726]

you have established a similar set-up to my own layout. In my case I am using Trix fibre based 3-rail track which allows Dublo, Triang, Farish , Wrenn and Trix all to be run depending on which rolling stock is available.

[@thedublorailway3803]

I have a Trix Britannia with the big flanges and it struggles on an of my track. I should have put down some suitable track somewhere but right now there is not room.

[@monsvillerailways5736]

Nice session. A great way of adding lots of flexibility to your layout. The Tri-ang Hornby model is R.850 which first appeared in 1968 catalogue. It's should have a glowing fire box. Mine does. The X.04 motor runs great if maintained. The Plastic thing... Hmm. Interesting reference for a bit of a classic. Will be interesting to see a newer Hornby loco with the its flimsy Chinese motor running on your layout. New loco with an old controller? Should be entertaining. 👍

[@thedublorailway3803]

I got my first R. 850 in 1968 as a Christmas present and it was always an appalling runner. The one you saw which does indeed have a glowing fire box has been a pleasant surprise. I am in the market for one more but in very good condition. You will have noticed that the one running is a bit battered and worn. I am not a huge fan of this Triang Hornby era but I have always loved this example and preferred it in BR livery. I'll be sure to get some footage of the new A4 running. So far all new Hornby models have taken to the track and the H&M equipment quite happily.

[@70sVRsignalman]

Hello there, 1 / I like that idea of alternate 2-rail/3-rail circuit, and your switching arrangement is one approach. May I respectfully suggest that you use a 2-Pole 5-Position Rotary Switch , which would give you an OFF position, and a choice of either 2-Rail, or 3-Rail, with the advantage of preventing a short circuit due to one switch not being thrown. 2 / Rotary Switches are self isolating and fail safe, and were in fact used in Doncaster South Power Signal Box of the LNER, later, BR-ER. 3 / could you please explain how you laid the Third Centre rail, and what Code rail is it please ? Regards to all.

[@thedublorailway3803]

I did go so far as to try an ON-OFF-ON switch. This would have been my preferred option but my wiring was probably at fault and it did not work. I had the control board already made and some spare holes so I went with something simpler. It works and is robust which in the end is all I ask. The third rail is Peco Code 100. This allows for larger flanges but is still too fine for my Trix Britannia. All I do is cut a few sleepers in half and glue them between the sleepers on the already laid two rail track.