Model Railway Forum

I almost wanted to change the subject title to 'That Eureeka moment!'

I did all the checks as per Brian's last post, removed the insulfrog point, no short, put in the temporary link wire as per the diagram with the point out, and again no short. So I decided to lift the next point down as well, also an insulfrog and relay the pair, one at a time.



With the first insulfrog relaid and connected to the electrofrog via the short length of track there was no short. Equally when the second insulfrog point was laid and connected up to the first point there was again no short. But as soon as the siding at the toe of the point was added, the short reappeared, despite there being no power feeds to the siding.

The Eureeka moment! The far end, this siding (and two others) cross to a lift out section, being soldered to copper clad PCB, the source of the short. It seems that I hadn't been thorough enough when cutting through between the tracks. Believe me, it's been cut now! I really would have helped if I mentioned that, it probably would have saved a lot of time.



I am currently sat rueing all that time wasted spent checking, checking and rechecking, removing all the wiring and LED's lights for what is a basic, almost schoolboy error.

Many thanks to those who have taken the trouble to view and consider and to those who offered advice, particularly Brian. It is very much appreciated.

I could have kept quiet but decided if someone else benefits from my error, all well and good.

Just to make you feel better, I had the very same thing two weeks ago forgetting to cut a slot in a copper clad sleeper and thst is with over 60 years experience.

Carl,

I have had a few major short finding episodes in the building of my layout and every one is a learn......the take away is just that, you learn and gain experience of how to methodically troubleshoot faults, but it will not be until the next time that such experience will come to the fore and be greatly appreciated.

In the interim go and run a train or two......

Carl L wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2020 9:17 pm I could have kept quiet but decided if someone else benefits from my error, all well and good.

Nothing like a bit of public self flagellation if only to make the rest of us feel better. Done it, got multiple Tee shirts, but at my age I can put it down to a “senior moment”. We all learn from each other’s mistakes, so take comfort in knowing that some time down the line somebody will be grateful for reading this post.

Richard