I have a MTH # 20-3303-1 GS4 steam loco (2/3rail option) which runs fine on my layout,until- I enter the insulated track section of my crossing gate (6-12062)! At this point gates go dead engine loses signal and stops dead. Rear trucks on tender appear to be insulated wheels on insulated rail side of accessory trip section! ( this appears to be the problem-but not knowing for sure, am asking for help to a solution). Appreciate any input! THANK YOU,Woody
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Surprise no one has replied here yet. I will try, I think your speculation sounds good. Do you have an ohm meter or continuity tester to test between the wheels to verify isolation? If there is no continuity I think you may have diagnosed the problem. As for solving it, I don't have any 2/3 rail engines and I'm diesels only so I really am not familiar with this. Maybe one of the more knowledgeable folks will be by with more help on a solution, or the problem if that is not it. Good luck.
I think you know the problem. 2/3 rail engines have poor outside rail pick-ups period. I think the left side of the engine drivers and the right side of the tender(anyway something like that pick up the outside rail.. We have the same problem running a 2/3 engine lite over a long crossover.... The answer might be an additional relay to power common on the insulated section . Adding a car might help but. Not very good railroading IMHO. I don't know what the fix is??
Left side is chassis and outer rail ground. So usebleft rail as isolated trigger. Now, tender should interconnect both wheels when in 3 rail. So check switch wiring. G