Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
I installed this Atlas code 83 Left switch
and everytime a train runs over (this is in DCC) it loses power when it goes into the siding or it loses power if its on the main to the right (Bottom in this picture) of the switch.
Do I have to wire it or what should I do?
-DeAndre W.
Volunteer Conductor
(MTA) Railroads
Electrical Engineering Tech
Its not just the frog either. it sounds more like your points a dirty. Usually, its just regular old oxidation that causes this, but in your case you did a messy job. clean the area on the side of the rails and points where they touch. the points get power from touching the stock rails.
Check the small metal tabs where the movable points meet the solid rails. Sometimes they are loose and will not carry the current from the rails to the movable points. I've had that problem once or twice and it was a puzzler at first.
