Controller overload with crossover install


jclark1012

New Member
I installed a new 90* crossover in my sons track. It continues to grow and we add a new section, which needed to cross a main track. But now, the locomotives won't run and as you try to power up, at about 50% you get a controller overload? Any thoughts? Attached a couple photos, excuse the mess we have been building, and the controller is usually not in that location, we were moving piece around to try and diagnose the issue.
 

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jclark: Try turning up the power without the locomotive on the track and see if the transformer shorts out. I looked quickly at your track plan and I think there's a reverse loop that's shorting out the system.

Greg
 
It's not the crossover. You created a reverse loop when you added the crossover as Greg posted. The offending section of track is the section that comes out of the crossover on the lower side of the picture and curves right to connect with the inner loop. Either rewire that section as a reverse loop, or if there is room, curve to the left to make the connection.
Reverse loop wiring
 
Why, in one shot do you have the green wire going from the rerailer/terminal track above the crossing to the one below the crossing, when in other pic it's not attached ? I wish I could see the terminals on your power pack, because normally a green [or black] wire and a red wire come from there to the rerailer/track-terminal. Instead it looks like you have 2 reds (color of course has nothing to do with how wires behave). But 2 reds look suspicious.
First I'd suggest you move the 'power pack' ('transformer' is for AC trains) so to be connected to the rerailer in front upper right where the curve begins and run RR from there..
And yes, you have a reverse loop causing - current to collide with + current. This is where the trouble starts.
Assuming orange diesel is running counterclockwise, if when it comes around past inner switch track (turnout), you then throw that switch and reverse loco as if loco is now backing into it and running clockwise toward and past the coal mine around to next switch, it's right at this switch where the polarity clash is.
There are at least 2 ways to cure this.
1) Add gaps, making complete cuts through both rails (best way is purchase Xuron Rail Nippers) right above crossing (where loco is now sitting), and both rails right at the switch at end of loop right behind engine. Then easiest, but about $45, is to buy a "Hex Frog Juicer" and follow wiring instructions. This will automatically flip the current to match current when train has gone around the mine tack and back onto the 'industrial' main'...
2) For a $3 SPDT toggle-switch you can wire it in to the mine track and simply flip the poles manually soon as engine has crossed the crossing without having to stop train. The toggle will flip the polarity to match the 'main' when re-entering it at same switch..Same gaps needed. The gaps can be kept apart by adding special plastic rail joiners in them..(If track is now nailed down, you'll have to accept the fact you will have to undo them to do this work).
If you go for the manual type I will explain the special the way the toggle posts get wired. The how-to might be in this forum somewhere, to boot..
May sound like a big confusing hassle. But once you do it you'll see how simp it really is....Mark o_O
 
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I was testing a short. The problem was the reverse loop. A little reworking of track and it is working perfectly! Now, drilling and wiring all the switches, putting landscape and buildings back in, but my little man is super happy.

THANKS!
 

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