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I've recently installed a RCS 31 Wye switch in my otherwise entirely Atlas O layout (my first experience with Ross switches).  Every time a lighted caboose goes through the switch, it sparks on the tip of the non-converging switch point.  It seems the wheel flange riding the outside rail barely touches this non-converging point and creates a momentary dead short. I thought both the outside rail and both points were the ground leg of the system, so I'm confused.  I've temporarily worked around the problem by placing masking tape on the last 1/4 inch of the point. 

I'm running exclusively DCS and have otherwise had no running problems.

If this doesn't make sense because I'm not explaining it well, I'll post a few pics soon.  What am I missing here?

Original Post

Sometimes the center rail roller pickup can "span" the distance between the common and hot center.  The brief short shows up in the point gap (like a set of old-school automotive points). It's a matter of very small distances, tolerances and coincidence - brand to brand. A wobbly pickup can add to the problem.

This may not be it, but I have seen it happen occasionally. Been a while; I don't run lighted cars that much. I have a GG and Ross layout (old). 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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