Has anyone worked through an issue with locos shorting while going in the through direction? I have no issue with the diverging route, but the through route shorts.
I am using HO code 83 atlas snapswitches (insulated frog) and currently modeling my take on the 2012 model railroader layout called the Virginian. I'm running DCC. I have modified the 4 turnouts in the yard area as shown in the magazine and videos.
I isolated the turnout, added feeders to the point end of the track, and used a piece of flex track isolated from all other tracks, and the locos still short the system. It happens regardless of loco used. The turnout itself doesn't seem damaged or compromised. The short occurs when the loco moves in the straight, through direction and transitions to the next piece of track. The back loco axels are on the point rails before reaching the insulated frog, and the front axels transition to the flex track. All other connecting points are isolated.
I'm not sure if the turnouts are damaged, or I have wired something incorrectly. I have no trouble with the peco and walthers turnouts, and I do have other atlas turnouts working correctly on the layout.
Thank you for any tips, experience, or advice on this issue.
Double check Your wiring on the point side and the flex track....sounds like a wire polarity issue to Me.
Take Care!
Frank
BTW: To The Forums!
Am I correct from reading your original post that the turnout and the flextrack are electrically isolated (insulating joiners on both rails) from each other? Additionally, what location on the track plan are you having the problem? That might help isolate the issue a little better.
In general, if the tracks are insulated from each other, I would agree that it sounds like the wiring is crossed up. The other possibility: Unlikely, after looking at the track plan, but make sure that you didn't accidentally create a reverse loop. Sometimes it can be done when one isn't expecting it.
Thank you for your response!
The track area is in a yard. I have two consecutive right hand turnouts with each of thier diverging routes going to a right turnout for a total of 8 single ended yard tracks. It is in the turnouts of the diverging routes where there is an issue. I isolated (insulated joiners on both rails) the diverging route turnouts, and I isolated the diverging route on the turnouts leading to the yard (flex track). I have not isolated the through route leading to the yard track. It is unpowered and connected with metal rail joiners.
So far it sounds like it might be a wiring issue and not something wrong with the turnout itself. I'll take another look at the wiring.
This is the last trouble spot to work through before moving on to painting track and ballasting. The rest of the layout runs smoothly!
Agree with Frank. You don't have the short until the leading wheels breach the gap between the turnout and the flex track. The rails of the turnout and the flex track, on the route that is shorting are out of phase("polarity" is reversed). Switch the power leads on that route and see if the problem disappears.