Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

Loss of Power to Tracks

Answer below if you can help this reader with his question:

“This may be hard for your readers to answer without seeing a diagram of my layout. I am doing whats called in the book, a ‘Monopoly/Octopus’ layout. Its setup so you can be going one direction, switch to another track and end up going the opposite direction. At one point when the track comes to a ‘X’ crossing, the power stops. If you switch direction on the power supply, it can continue on its way. Why am I losing power at this point? I heard it has something to do with plastic rail joiners in this area, and maybe adding in a switch to cut power. This is confusing to understand for me. Any ideas on what little info I just gave you.”

Add your comments using the green Comments link below. Register first (if you haven’t aleady done so). It takes only 2 minutes.

One Response to Loss of Power to Tracks

  • Tony P says:

    Well it sounds like a reverseing loop situation. The fact that when you switch power supply (polarity) it goes again you are creating a short or a polarity problem to begin with. check earlier comments on this site to see in detail how to correct this and they actually have a unit that does it automatically by Digitrax called AR1. If the reverseing loop is your problem you can fix it with these suggestions and yes the plastic rail joiners separate power to specific sections of track if you go with the long detailed way to correct it or you can just go with the AR1. check out the previous comments and let us know how you made out. Tony P

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

Reader Poll

Which scale of model trains do you operate or prefer?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

Download Your Free Catalog

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

N Scale Track Plans

Watch Video

Model Train DCC HELP

Model Train Help Ebook

NEW TO MODEL TRAINS?

FREE Tour Inside Club

Take a FREE tour inside the club.

Scenery Techniques Explained

Scenery & Layout Ideas

Model Railroading Blog Archive