So I have two HO Kato Unitrack turnouts with the diverging routes connected to make a crossover on two spur tracks. So on one of them, when I have the turnout set to straight (not diverging) all of the track past a certain point in the turnout is dead, including the rest of the spur. But if I have the two turnouts set to diverging (i.e. to use the crossover) everything works fine. I ran a Bachmann Alco RS-3 thru the trailing side of the dysfunctional turnout and I marked exactly where the four axles are when the loco comes to a stop to try to pinpoint the issue. But it's not obvious to me where the problem lies based on this. I'd show a picture but I cannot figure out how to upload a picture to this forum, it won't let me insert an image. BTW, I am running DCC with a Digitrax DCS52. Suggestions?
The turnouts are power routing and shutting off the diverging route. Instructions are hard to find, but the N scale ones just have screws on the bottom to move. If you set it for non power routing, both routes will always be powered.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
My Kato #6 HO scale manual turnouts came factory set to be power routing, where my powered (remote control) #6 and #4 turnouts come factory set to be non-power routing.
It sounds like one of the screws on the bottom of the turnout that determines if it is power routing or not has come loose. That would be an easy fix.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Are the turnouts in question: the #4 powered (with metal frogs), or are they the #6 powered (plastic frog) or #4/#6 manual (plastic frog)?
The #4 powered turnouts are power-routing and can't be changed.
The others have the two screws on the bottom that determine power-routing or non-power-routing.
I would put insulated Unijoiners between the diverging routes of the crossover.
I'd put power feeds on all 4 "sides" of the crossover, as well.
They are #4 with metal frogs, should have mentioned that. I'll try the insulated joiners first, and then feeders if that doesn't fix it. Appreciate the help!
Insulated joiners along won't fix anything, unless you are getting a short instead of a loss of power. If you put insulated joiners in, you absolutely will need feeders past the insulated joiners to power the track beyond the turnout.
I kinda thought that was the case. But thanks Randy for clarifying!