Superior & Seattle Railroad Build (Volume 2) Started 2/25/17

[S&S RR]

I finished the day today stuck on a wiring problem.  I have installed all of the tracks for the turntable roundhouse complex. I wired the first three and discovered a problem.  I have 12.75 volts on the wire that I'm clamping a single suitcase connector to.  The same ones I have used for the whole layout.  When I measure the voltage on the 22 inch length of track I'm getting 2.5 volts. I will attack this again in the morning but I'm pulling what's left of my hair out trying to figure out what's going on.

[PRR Modeler]

Sometimes the connectors you are using do not crimp on the wires properly (I use them). I would double check the track solders also.

[deemery]

What Curt said...   My approach to wiring is to do suitcase connectors to a heavy lead, and plug that into a Wago connector right under the track with the thin track feed wire.  That way I can 'flip the lever' to remove a wire for testing, etc.  I've only actually wired -1- segment that way, though.


dave

[jimmillho]

John,
I agree with Curt, I think that you have a bad connection in the run that has resulted in a "High Resistance" connection that is causing a significant voltage drop.  I could be a bad crimp or a bad solder joint.

Jim

[S&S RR]

Curt, Dave, and Jim


Thanks for following along and offering suggestions.  I solved my electrical problem this morning.  The "new box" of suitcase connectors that I was using had larger slots in the metal prog that makes the connection.  My smaller wire was slipping into the slot without completely piercing the insulation on the wire.  A trip to the hardware store and I was back in business. I won't get those hours back that it took to figure out the problem.  

[MAP]

Really looking good John!  The turntable installation will be worth it when you get some trains running over it into the roundhouse.  Keep the progress pics coming!

[Dave K.]

Just really enjoying following the development of your world. Can't tell you how many tips/pix I've bookmarked for reference! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[S&S RR]

Here is the update picture I was going to post last night when the data base went missing. I have the tracks down and wired. Today, I need to get everything straightened up, level and painted,  then add the sand and ballast as soon as the paint dries.

[S&S RR]

Really looking good John!  The turntable installation will be worth it when you get some trains running over it into the roundhouse.  Keep the progress pics coming!

Mark


Thank you for following along - I can't wait to get this turntable going.

[S&S RR]

Just really enjoying following the development of your world. Can't tell you how many tips/pix I've bookmarked for reference! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Dave


Thank you for following along - I'm in the process of updating the index to these threads so I can find what I'm looking for.  And maybe it will help someone else, too. I have done enough builds now that, what I did on this one, is all stirred up with previous builds.  I find doing a build thread like this to be very helpful - so what paint color did I use for Brambell's?

[S&S RR]

A big day on the S&S RR. The turntable and track work for the Stone Roundhouse is now operational. Programing of the turntable went by the book and I started loading Locomotives into the stalls of the Roundhouse. Once I have completed the testing I will sand and ballast the track in and start making things look good.

[S&S RR]

[vinceg]

Great milestone, John.

[PRR Modeler]

Looks great John. Congratulations.

[S&S RR]

Great milestone, John.

Thank you Vince.  It feels good to have this part of the layout operational.