I have the problem narrowed down to one block. Every time i hook up this block the commander starts flashing telling me that i have a short. Any sugggestions on how too solve this problem. The type of track i use is Kato unitrack.
Alan: Could this block of track be part of a reverse loop? We can't visualize the section of track without a plan or picture. Stay cool and run steam...
Alan: I vote reverse loop and I haven't even see the track diagram. It was the cause of my first layout short; took me three days to figure it out. I was going to post before, but I wasn't sure that you could create such a reversing loop short with Kato track. Bob jumped in there and gave me courage! It would seem to me that Kato would design unitrack so this could not happen?
Flash: I use Kato Unitarck. I have four reverse loops. One was extremely difficult to find; that is the beginning and end. I took me about 2-3 days to figure out the reverse loop that was causing the short. The reverse loop module in DCC has to be connected before you can run a train through that section of track. It will short out every time. The reverse loops have to be connected to reverse loop modules. I've suggested this to Alan in his last posts about his track problems. Stay cool and run steam....
Here is a diagram of the track plan. The problem is in the lower right hand corner. The track next to the problem area is the reverse loop.
Flash: He has two reverse loops in there at least. The outer loop is also a reverse loop. The plan is quite small to try and follow the loop, but it's there. Stay cool and run steam.....
There is only one reverse loop the track goes from about four around to about seven. the other track is on a upper deck.
The plan is the Atlas Atlantic Long Haul Lines. I would bet the ranch that either you forget an insulated rail joiner at #6-5 turnout or at turnout 15. At 15 there is a hinkey looking symbol just to the left of the R1 in the diagram.
Here is a picture showing the problem area. The problem track section is the one that comes off the turnout to the siding.
Thats what I like, a railroader with the fridge right next to the layout. That way when things go bad its not a long walk to get a cold one. Beer or Soda (make mine a diet pepsi) Shannon WP LIVES ATSF LIVES
