Operating Track Bleeds Power Into Spur

Sounds like it is operating as it should. If you put it into the main line you would want continuous power to the running rails.

When you say "bleeds" do you mean a little leakage, or the whole voltage amount?  Bleeding would imply that there is leakage through a component, like a coil or some resistance.

Do you have a volt-ohmmeter?  With the power on to (just) the operating track, do you read the same voltage along the siding as you are feeding to the operating track section?

With the power off, can you see (using the ohmmeter) if there is continuity between the fixed voltage connection and the middle rail?  If there is, and it is unwanted, you will need to unsolder or otherwise separate the fixed voltage supply from the middle rail.  If you don't, and you start running trains, and the two sources are not in phase, you will release the magic smoke, or worse.

Arthur

I used the word "bleeding" as I didn't think it should happen at all.  The voltage on the other rails in the spur is the same as the voltage applied my the accessory transformer (14 volts).  The spur would receive 18 volts from one of my bricks that supply power to the track but the spur is an isolated block and the power from the brick is turned off.  There is continuity between the fixed voltage supply and the middle rail.  Looks like I missed a step!  The two sources are in phase but I still want the supply to be separated.  Is there a connection under the track that I need to address?

Richard,  It might be helpful it you were to post a picture of the underside of the Operating track in question showing the connections with annotations superimposed on them indicating where these connections lead to.  Also helpful would be a link to the instructions, complete with the wiring diagram you used to make these connections.

Richard, we understand that you meant "feeding" (as a better choice than "bleeding".)  Two electrical terms that seem to be alike, but are not really similar. As SteveH says, let's see what's under the hood, and we'll figure this out.

Thanks Steve, Rod and Arthur.  I just figured out the problem today.  In reading Peter Riddle's chapter on operating tracks (Wiring Your Toy Train Layout), I find that I mistakenly continued the accessory power wire to connection #3 on the track as well as to the controller.  Power to the controller is all that I needed.  I removed the connection to the #3 post and all is well now.  The track operates now at whatever voltage I set and no power continues to other track sections.  Thank you all very much.

I hate to say it..."It was the bleeding obvious." Glad you figured it out. One more electrical lesson learned.

Yes, it was "bleeding" obvious.  I am an amateur at this in truth.

We were all amateurs once.  Some earlier than others. Don't despair, it will suddenly get easier.

@Richard Whipkey posted:

Thanks Steve, Rod and Arthur.  I just figured out the problem today.  In reading Peter Riddle's chapter on operating tracks (Wiring Your Toy Train Layout), I find that I mistakenly continued the accessory power wire to connection #3 on the track as well as to the controller.  Power to the controller is all that I needed.  I removed the connection to the #3 post and all is well now.  The track operates now at whatever voltage I set and no power continues to other track sections.  Thank you all very much.

Richard, I'm glad you were able to find the solution and get it working.  That's got to be a good feeling.

@Arthur P. Bloom posted:

We were all amateurs once.  Some earlier than others. Don't despair, it will suddenly get easier.

Yes, even if not suddenly, at least as we continue learning, it definitely does get easier the more you keep at it.