MTH SWITCH QUESTION (AGAIN)

[M1Tanker]

 (I posted this before - and am back to the same problem).  I am using MTH 042 switch (Real Trax).  Everytime the engine goes over it, the switch is thrown.  I thought it was the problem with a switch so I replaced a switch but shortly after running for a while 2 nite, the same thing happened again.  In all my years of model railroading I have never had something like this - hence my asking for help.  It is my considered opinion that something is touching that should not be - but what?  How do I solve it?

One of you answered my question sometime back BUT of course I deleted that email!

 

[e-mail]

[csxt30]

Just bumping you back up so you can get some help ! I think some guys install an extra pickup roller assy. on a car behind the eng. in certain cases.

Good to see you back again !!

Thanks, John  & Happy New Year !!

[ChiefEagles]

I had one do that the other night.  I would throw it one way and it would vibrate and throw right back.  I just moved it around and it stopped.  Now I had two switches opposing themselves.  You using track power or aux power to power them?  Check for wires touching.  Sounds liek something is trigering the non-derailing function.  Since I am new at Realtrax switches, hope someone can give you a direct answer.  I had one tonight that threw but both the red and green light was on.  I looked and the switch stand was only half turned. Threw it back and then back straight and it was OK.

[M1Tanker]

Thanks guys - good to be back again  :)  Would it help if I put tape down between rails or something to serve as an insulating material?  Doesn't matter what type of engine I use as the switch gets thrown time and time again without it even being hooked up... This is the 3rd time I have pulled it back up....SIGH.

 

 

[ChiefEagles]

Maybe Buckeye will know.  He has been using them for years.

[M1Tanker]

I am just so frustrated that I can't remember for the life of me what I did to fix it - I know I did something but obviously it didn't work and stand the test of time since it "returned".  Trying to puzzle it out....

[Buckeye Riveter]

I think you have the lighted lever wired to switch incorrectly.

Is the switch running on aux. power or track power?

[M1Tanker]

Running stricly on track power - no wires attached.  No other switch on the layout does this mind you.

 

Go Nevada - beat Miami (Pentagon office football pool!).

[Buckeye Riveter]

If you are running on track power, is the jumper still attached to the power screws?

[Buckeye Riveter]

If you are running on track power, is the jumper still attached to the power screws? 

[Buckeye Riveter]

How old is the switch?  Was it new or used?  What is the status of the copper jumper since you haven't attached the remote lever wires.  These switches will move automatically if they are in the wrong direction.  Yours is moving if you come into the point. 

[M1Tanker]

I applied some good old Army trouble shooting.  I disconnected the track to the siding - and now the switch is not being thrown.  That means my problem resides with the track and the connections going there to the siding I guess...so that means I need to fix the problem whatever it is there.  At this point I have no wires whatsoever attached to the switch.

[Buckeye Riveter]

I think your problem is that the track power on the switch side is not the same as on the mainline side.

[ChiefEagles]

You've got it.  That track section is sending the signal that a train is there.  

[M1Tanker]

Yeah that was the conclusion I sort of came too back handed...now how do I fix it?  I will continue to trouble shoot.  I still need to work on my Lionel speed bridge...meant to do that but time has been thin lately.

[M1Tanker]

I took track sections up, reconnected things and it now seems to work.  (2007 Gremlins?)