5 Steps Forward, 3 Back ...

Well, I replaced all of the purchased turnouts with mine, and with no shorts. I was able to run a train around the entire layout without shorts, but still stalled on those two #5s. This was a 2-6-0.

So, I tried a 2-8-0, and it went through all the turnouts without stopping. I did see a momentary flicker when it crossed those two #5s.I suspect that I still have an electrical issue with them as the turnout is supposed to pass the power, and it seems to be failing at that.

Wait, that's not the only issue, unfortunately. When I decided to run the trains on the diverging routes, they derailed, both the engine and a car three back. This was on the two turnouts on the left side of the staging. I still need to try the right side to see if I have a similar problem. In looking at the turnouts, I suspect the closing rail is too close to the through rail, causing the derail.

The bottom line is that I'll be rebuilding some if not all of the turnouts. I may use the purchased ones in the staging area since it needs to be bullet-proof as the area will be hidden from view normally.

No work will be done for at least two more weeks as I go on vacation soon, and I need to focus on that trip.