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#6 turn out problems Track and electrical/DCC
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Active Member 31 posts train guy Active Member 31 posts
train guy

i have built a #6 turnout, DCC is working i have 2 switches connected together at short switch sides but as soon as locomotive contacts frog a short happens, I think I know whats causing this but just want to be sure. any help would be greatly appreciated
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jeffshultz MRH Staff 7,972 posts
jeffshultz

What do you think is happening?

...and the next question is, why is your frog apparently electrically alive?

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Jeff Shultz - MRH Technical Assistant
DCC Features Matrix/My blog index
Modeling a fictional GWI shortline combining three separate areas into one freelance-ish railroad.
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bear creek MRH Editor emeritus 2,327 posts
bear creek

Are your frogs powered?

If they are powered do you have the polarity reversed?  Ie. when the turnout is set for the straight route does the frog have the same polarity as the active closure rail through the frog?

If the polarity is correct or the frogs aren't powered perhaps you have a problem with a set of metal loco wheels bridging a gap (for example, the backs of the wheels might be touching one closure rail right at the frog while the tread of the wheels is resting on the other closure rails.

Cheers,

Charlie

Superintendent of nearly everything  ayco_hdr.jpg 
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joef MRH Founder 17,401 posts
joef

Its also possible

It's also possible you don't have gaps beyond the frog in the two center rails. If you have two turnouts facing each other and the turnouts are power-routing, if you throw either of the turnouts a certain way, you'll get a short.

Most likely you don't have all the gaps you need in the turnouts ...

Joe Fugate​
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

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train guy Active Member 31 posts
train guy

switch

I should have added it is controlled by a tortis switch machine, I will test both of your thoughts
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train guy Active Member 31 posts
train guy

switch

my layout is controlled by DCC, should I have an insolated gap on the short

side of (incoming side)switch.
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