Problem with Vertical Block Signal Setup

Hello Gents,

I had a layout 5+ years ago and the following worked. Now I have a new layout and can't get past this problem.

It's MTH 30-11024 3 over 3 vertical signal and I'm trying to connect it a few tracks from a turnout (Atlas O right hand switch) where the top signal is for straight and bottom signal is for the turnout.

I'm using older electronics, a Radio Shack 275-206 12VDC/3A DPDT Plug-In Relay & Socket and a full wave bridge rectifier.

I have the left rail insulated before the turnout and on both left rails just after turnout.

I get red for the straight and green for the turnout and it does not change when I roll a car through.

I notice a voltmeter reading is 18v when applied to middle and left (supposedly insulated) rails either before the turnout or just after the straight piece. I get a lower reading, about 4V for the piece just after the turnout, but before the insulated connector.

So it makes sense I would get a steady red for the straight piece. Why would this be the case, that I get 18V when it's insulated? How would I troubleshoot?

power source for the relay and rectifier: Z-4000 fixed 14v.

8/21/2212:32 PM

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SteveHOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

A diagram of the track sections in question, the associated wiring, insulators, and indications of where voltages are being measured would be helpful in answering your questions.

8/21/221:00 PM

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SteveGOGR Forum Member

I know, but I don't have track software to make the diagram.

In this picture I'm taking a reading on the insulated rail (you can probably see the insulated joiner on left rail). The vertical signal is further down, left track. The other insulated joiners are before the turnout (not in picture, but below) and in the picture, just next to the spot where I have a green clip holding the lead for insulated turnout that goes back to one of the rectifiers.

The voltmeter reads 5V in the turnout from center to left (inside) rail where the clip is.

I have another lead for the straight section, leftmost rail going to the other rectifier.

Bottom picture is how I wired it. It's two sets of relay and FW bridge rectifiers.

I have a capacitor on one of them, I think to reduce chatter-on-off in case some wheels are not totally clean.

Excuse the sloppiness, but all I have is an old printout when I first set this up 15+ years ago.

As I said, this used to work in my old layout. I think the switch is not allowing insulation which is what you need to trigger turning to red when a car comes into the area. If I I open the track before the switch, the light goes from green to red properly when a car rolls in, so I know the wiring of components is correct.