I'm hoping someone can help me figure out what went wrong. I have the Walthers 130' turntable, modern 3 stall roundhouse, (with 2 3 stall add-ons), and a NCE Powercab DCC system. I have wired everything according to directions, and the turntable works great. I was even able to program all 10 of my points with no problem. My mainline was also working fine, until I tried to combine the two. Let me explain:
Prior to installing the turntable bridge, I put one of my cheaper DCC loco's in the roundhouse and turned on my Powercab. The loco responded as normal. I tried all 10 lines, with same result. Now comes the part where I'm baffled. I then turned off power to the track, and installed the bridge. After which I followed the accompanying directions on how to program my stopping points, etc... Again, no problems. I then turned on the power, selected my loco and slowly pulled out of the roundhouse. As soon as the front wheelset left the roundhouse and started onto the bridge track, the headlight went off, and the loco stopped. I tried the R/H track again, and it worked. Pulled out again, and same result. I put the loco on the bridge, and can move it just like normal. Try to pull off the bridge, and it shuts down. I know it's acting like a short, but how and where should I be looking?
I have reached the point of frustration, so I figured I'd better take a break, and ask for help. Any and all help in maintaining my sanity is appreciated!!!!
Joe
reverse the bridge track power lead wires.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
He is right. Has to be something wrong with lead or radial tracks, polarity.
Thanks to all who responded. River-Eagle was right. Once I switched the wires around, it all worked fine. See, this is what I love about Model Railroaders. Not only did so many respond, but with helpful advice. I've been on other hobby websites where if you ask a question, you're either ridiculed or two or more responders get in an arguement as to who is right and never touch on the initial question.
I know every one of us has been at the point of frustration, yet it turns out to be something simple. Unfortunately, once irritation sets in, we tend to blind ourselves to the simple fixes. Thanks again, Joe