I have just started building model trains, so I am not too good at this. I have 2 crossovers that have the remote switch turnouts. I have them wired red to red and green to green and black to black on each set, and the black wires going to the first control switch. My problem is, they don't always work good. Sometimes they work, sometimes one works on the crossover, but neither set switches very well, sometimes one of the switches will halfway switch or sometimes it will pop back. Can anyone help me with what I may be doing wrong.
Can you tell us a little more? Such as what type of switches? What type of switch machine? This might help in getting a grasp upon a specific problem. Is your track ballasted? If so, be certain that there is none in any place that could cause binding, etc. Boxcab E50
The switches are Atlas standard n scale remote switches. I am not sure exactly what type of switch, but it isn't the type that goes under the table. Right now, the track has not been ballasted. We just got it all hooked up.
OK your problem is quite simple and almost every modeller has the same problem. Most switch motors are of the solenoid type these require high current for a very short period to create a magnetic field to throw your points. Unfortunately as the current rises the voltage will drop due to the reistance of the circuit therefore which ever motor has least resistance will usually operate whereas the other end wont. The way to resolve this issue is to iether make or purchase from your local hobby shop a capacitor discharge unit. A discharge unit will provide high voltage and current for a very short amount of time but enabling the points to operate. without as discharge unit there is also a risk of burning out the coils of the points motors wheras a discharge unit only gives a short surge of high current. I have no doubt that this is the problem you are having. to test this just disconnect one end and see if the other end operates ok, if it does do the reverse and check the first end. Let us know what you find.
