CTT has a diagram for an electronic control for a signal bridge / block signal that I’m attempting to build. The power pack is a LW and the track is O-27.
I inserted a single insulated straight (6-12841), with a 6-14112 lighted lock-on, between two curves and pulled out the metal pin on one of the curve pieces to accept the insulated pin. I wanted to see the light come on as the train passed before I went any farther.
To my surprise, the light came on as soon as the power was applied to the track, train or no train. Something must be completing the circuit.
I took off the track clips and replaced the lighted loch-on with a plain CTC with a voltage meter attached. The voltage meter followed the voltage as it was applied.
I then removed the insulated straight and checked it with the VOM set on resistance. It checked out with a “short” across the two outside rails but the center rail was insulated.
I replaced it with another new carded piece and it seems ok. The lighted lock on only illuminates when a train is present.
How do you fix an insulated track? The would-be insulated rail has a black material just like the center rail. How do I find out where the short is?
Thanks, as always.