I posted my MTL switch problem a couple days ago and after two days of testing potential fixes and hours of trouble shooting I finally found the problem. It turned out that one of my MTL switches was shorting itself out. Below is a picture of what was going on (not the best quality, but gets the point across). The two pieces of copper (which are uninsulated in all switches I've taken apart) that connect to the rails were touching each other and shorting out everything. It was simple to fix by bending up the one copper piece so that it didn't touch the other one. I wonder why MTL didn't have a piece of insulation between these two copper pieces since they are very close to each other and have a chance of shorting out the switch and connecting track. Joe D', maybe you should suggest to MTL that they have a monthly give away for customers that provide MTL product tips and suggestions. Have MTL choose the one best N scale and Z scale tip or suggestion for MTL products and award them with a newly released car or product (like new radius track! ) - Just a suggestion
Good find Joe. Is there enough room between the two copper strips to slide some tape in between in case they touch again after you lay down the track?
Robert, Yes there is some room to slide in some tape. I think I'm probably going to use liquid electric tape though for easier and better coverage to prevent future contact of the two copper strips.
Well either my eyes or bad or I have to get another photo image viewer Good find, hopefully only one. I'm using Peter Wright's new US tie turnouts all over so I'll have to take your word on the fix.
