I have rerouted some tracks and to avoid shorting out the tracks I had to cut a space in each track - I believe when rerouting I changed the polarity of the tracks causing the short. I tried to remedy the problem by using an Atlas # 220 Controller, but this did not work. I will certainly appreciate any help, suggestions or advice to remedy this problem. Thank you very much.
You’re going to have to correct the wiring. Otherwise, when you cross the gap every metal wheel is going to cause a short.
When you rerouted the tracks, did you create a reverse loop? If so, you’re going to need two double pole, double pole switches. One to change the polarity of the loop, the other to change the polarity of the mainline. A good book to purchase is Andy Sperandeo’s “Easy Model Railroad Wiring”, available from Kalmbach Books.
Everyone is making assumptions.
We need to know:
DC or DCC?
A track diagram so we can see if you have created reversing sections and if so, where.
LOL
You took the words out of my mouth. Couldn’t agree more.
The original message tells us next to nothing.’
Need to know more. Need a track diagram.
Rich
While you’re making the track diagram, send along a wiring diagram, as well.
If you have a camera you can also take a picture of the layout and post it here.
Thank you for the responses to my recent post - I will try to outline the problem I am having; the wiring on my layout defies sending a wiring diagram. First, I am on DC; as previously mentioned when rerouting a track, what I considered to be the outside rail was the the power (hot) rail (as opposed to the inside rail that was was set up in a block). The rerouted rail went into a turnout and this outside (hot) rail then went into the turnout’s inside rail; to avoid shorting, I cut space in each track just before the turnout. I thought I could use an Atlas 220 Controller which I believed would reverse the polarity but that did not work. (I had used a Controller on another part of my layout that I thought was the same situation; that is, going from an outside rail to an inside rail). If this post set out my problem any better, I will certainly welcome any help and/or advice. Thank you very much.
Butlerhawk,
Still need more info!!! Is this a siding? or a spur??? or will the deverging route double back to the turnout?? What brand of turnout??? Trying to help!! But need more info.
Frank
Sounds like a reverse loop. If the train goes through one side of the turnout, does it then come back on the other side? If you have one of the Atlas plan books it will show you how to wire the 220 controller to handle a reverse loop. You’ll have to flip the switch each time a train runs through the reversing section.
–Randy
Why would we need to know that? A short is a short or an open circuit is an open circuit regardless of power supply type.
An Atlas #220 is generally used with single wired cab control reversing loops - generally not a DCC tool. It could work though.
I do agree; however, without a really good explaination of the exact changes or a diagram we are shooting in the dark.
Without a drawing of your track plan its kind of like a blind man feeling around for a porcupine without gloves. We most be able to see what your track configuration is or you must be able to tell us if it has loops or turns back on its self. With out more information we are just guessing.