I would like to automatically set some switches. So I build some contact rails. I had a hard time to glue on the cut rail back onto the ballast without making unwanted electrical contacts. The glue and the plastic foil I used for insulation are much too visible, really ugly, and I had to repeat the gluing several times until the rail was really insulated.

So, I bought a few "Kontakt Gleisstuck" 5116. To my surprise these have no wires and no connectors but just insulate one side of the rail. What good is that for? Why is that called contact rail when there is no way to use the fact that a contact happens? Do I have to cut the rails and solder wires before these work?

Thanks for your help
Chris

Hi Chris,

The correct contact rails for operating electric points and signals are numbered 5104 and 5105. Alternatively you could buy 5146 and 5147 rails, which are directional, so only trains travelling in a particular direction operate your points.

5145, 5115 and 5116 rails are really only for operating the barriers on the 7192 electric level crossing.

regards
Peter