@KarlDL….
Thanks for the tip. I learned a long time ago the importance of properly phasing all transformers.
This practice also applies to Accessories that provide power to track sections.
When I was connecting power to my Coal Tipple, I inadvertently reversed the wires. The Tipple itself worked just fine (the Tipple was standalone at the time. I shove a car into it to test the action).
Literally months later, I was running a bunch of bathtub ore cars into the Tipple and “pop”; a big spark! What the…..?
The power to the Tipple (for operating the Tipple) also supplies power to the track section within the Tipple; which is isolated from the track meeting the Tipple by a gap on either side.
Because of my mistake, the Tipple track was out of phase with the rest of the layout! Fortunately, it was a rail car and not an engine that bridged that gap! The spark did leave a mark on the car’s wheel.
