anyone know what this is

[Airslide]

i have always wondered what this is for. i vaguely remember someone telling me it is to carry current for radio transmissions years ago. but that never really made much sense. any takers?

 

[hamltnblue]

It's just for electrical conductivity, which is needed for any type of signaling and train positioning. The joiners don't always ensure good conductivity so they weld a wire to help.

 

[Rico]

Hamltnblue is right, it's called a bonding wire.
Usually the soft tips are pounded into holes in the rail.
Could be welded or soldered back on if it comes off I guess?
That rail looks pretty worn, where's the ties... maybe a pump spot?

 

[Rotorranch]

Hamltnblue is right, it's called a bonding wire.
Usually the soft tips are pounded into holes in the rail.
Could be welded or soldered back on if it comes off I guess?
That rail looks pretty worn, where's the ties... maybe a pump spot?

It's the feeders for the DCC!
Rico and hamltnblue
both nailed it.

The ties are buried under Georgia Silt. I'm betting the track are at the bottom of a small hill. I have a backyard full of the stuff.

Where'd you catch that A-slide? Good pic!

Rotor

 

[Airslide]

It's the feeders for the DCC!
Rico and hamltnblue
both nailed it.

The ties are buried under Georgia Silt. I'm betting the track are at the bottom of a small hill. I have a backyard full of the stuff.

Where'd you catch that A-slide? Good pic!

Rotor

im thinkin they spiked it...lol.

i caught these at what i guess would be west central college park (off roservelt highway). trying out my new (very used) SLR. it takes prints but its been ages since i used an SLR and the last one i used was a canon AE1, so im a lil rusty, but here go some more pix from my visit to the college park industrial area. the more i visit this place, the more i want to model it - for my next layout of course:

 

[OldGettysk]

Some cool shots there !!