Hello...and Happy Holidays!

I have an Arnold-Rapido N scale layout that uses the 'Stop-Switch' method, basically rail gaps (one rail cut), often between switches for both the main line and sidings, to allow more than one train consist to be on a single line with a single DC controller ('dependent, multi-train operation').

Online, I've seen the Marklin Straight Isolating Track (Marklin 8588) segment that appear to have the same single side rail gap, but comes with a bulky black plastic piece on one side. I can't tell from the online pics, but my guess is that it has electrical connections that allow a segment's power to be controlled by a signal or a toggle switch and that one would need two of them to isolate a particular segment in between.

Question: With these Marklin Z scale track switches, can I just cut one rail at an appropriate location between two switches to achieve the 'stop effect' and not use the 8588 isolating track piece?


Thanks in advance,

Ralph.

Thanks for the reply, Carim.

Yes, correct, creation of an isolated section after a switch point by just cutting one rail. Just wasn't sure if this was something that could be accomplished when using the Marklin switches since they have this 'Straight Isolating Track' piece (which I'd rather not use for this application).

As I become more familiar with this Marklin Z scale track, I can't help but notice the bulky black plastic coverings that protect the internal mechanisms/electronics. I would assume that most just live with these non-prototypical elements, but I'd like to remove them (or at least reduce their footprints). I've found some info online that shows how to modify switches, decouplers, etc. and I was just wondering how common are these modifications in the Z community?

Ralph.

Yes, thanks, I can see where that would work, too.

Ralph.