Shorting out on layout

[zstripe]

Right off the bat...If you are using Shinohara turnouts and you did not gap/insulate the two center rails after the frog, when you switch to the diverging route, you will have a instant short. Will work ok on straight route, will short on diverging route. Could use a track plan, also to make sure your reverse loops are gapped properly also.

Take Care! 

Frank

[MisterBeasley]

Doug suggested:

Of course I expect to pay for the service rendered.

Nah.  That's not how we do it.  We enjoy this stuff here.

But, the first thing to do is give us a diagram.  Typically, scan it or photograph it, and then upload the image to a photo-hosting site with open access, like Photobucket.  Then use the little button for "Insert Image" above and put in the URL of your photo.

[NeO6874]

BroadwayLion

The problem might not be in the tracks, it could be in the cables or a little strand of wire that sticks out and touches something it should not.

Or a crossed feeder, or "extra" feeder to a reversing section after the gaps, or something else simple like that... 

[BroadwayLion]

Fixing a short is easy. connect power to ONE rail only and use a test probe to ground to see where the power is going. It should only be on the one rail. If you find power on the opposite rail you must disconect things until the power goes away. THAT is where your problem is.

The problem might not be in the tracks, it could be in the cables or a little strand of wire that sticks out and touches something it should not.

ROAR

[dougedw4]

My problem is as follows:

 

I am building San Marino & Echo Mountain #54 in 101 Track plans and used Rick Selbys book on wiring.

 

I have modified the plan so that currently there are no yards or round house.

My track plan has three reverse loops that are blocked off and I have Lenz reverse loop machines attached.  All blocks are wired to a bus. The track has been checked for any metal.

The rest of the layout has three sets of crossovers. All blocks are wired to a bus.

I am using Shinohara track and switches for the crossovers, and NCE DCC power cab.

Shorting occurs when the crossovers are activated to the crossing position.

I have a track plan that describes my situation. I can fax it to the person who will try to solve the problem.

Of course I expect to pay for the service rendered.

Thank you in advance

Doug Edwards