Shortout turnout?

[steamfreightboy]

 I have a turnout that shorts when I run my proto 2000 E7 A unit on it but not anything else.

Please Help!!!!!!!!!!

[tomikawaTT]

 I have a turnout that shorts when I run my proto 2000 E7 A unit on it but not anything else.

Please Help!!!!!!!!!!

Before offering an opinion I need a little more information:

• Manufacturer (including hand-laid, if it is.)
• Type (Live frog or insulated frog.)
• Is the open point the same polarity as the adjacent stock rail?  (don't take 'polarity' literally for DCC.)
• Does your loco have a wheelset with narrower than NMRA standard flange back-to-back dimensions?)
• Anything else that sets that particular locomotive/turnout combination apart from the rest of your fleet/layout.

The above also includes some of the possible sources of your problem - but by no means all of them.  Electrical troubleshooting is one of this hobby's least-fun activities.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[selector]

If this model locomotive runs over the rest of the track, but seems to cause a short on the one turnout, there is an obvious interface between the gauge of the axle(s) on this one locomotive and the construction of this one turnout.  I assume you have other engines that don't seem to mind the turnout?  It doesn't mean the turnout isn't an issue...it may need some tweaking that still won't make the other engines notice.  But as Chuck has surmised, I would look first to the gauge of each of the axles on this particular locomotive.  I feel that one or more axle has flanges that are too close together or too far apart.  Probably too close together, and probably by about 1/4-1/2 mm only.  Spreading the wheels a very short bit on the one or two axles that matter should see your shorts all but disappear.

[spidge]

I like Selectors idea, I have some Atlas custom line turnouts where the six axle desiels actually rub against the back of the closure rail and if going slow enough will shut down that area.