Troubleshooting atlas code 83 custom line #4 turnouts

[nuno81291]

Hello,

I took a bit of a step back into HO by purchasing 2 sets of atlas code 83 custom line #4 turnouts for a small shelf layout. basically with an inglenook configuration, one test feeder I can get my loco (DCC Atlas C420, testing with a kato DC power pack for time being) thru the straight leg of the turnout with no issue. However everytime I try to go thru the diverging route I get a short. I say it is a short because it 1. loco is brand new and has power to both trucks (confirmed) 2. if I let it sit dead on the frog eventually my kato pack will trip and I need to reset it 3. I visibly saw a spark when trying to go through the frog at a higher speed setting to see if it would get through with momentum (d'oh!).

I have it hooked up without frog powering (I figure I wouldn't need it as it goes thru straight route at a crawl). My multimeter shows the following:

With continuity testing I discovered that the frog is connected to the diverging route stock rail, and not the diverging route closure rail or frog rail.

I have no idea what to do to make this thing work...any ideas? I threw on some clear nail varnish per google suggestions but it didnt seem to do the trick...I can't figure out why the frog wouldn't just read as 0 voltage or not being connected to the rest of the turnout parts considering I have not powered the frog with a switch machine etc... This is infuriating!!

Kind Regards!

[mu26aeh]

If it has a metal frog, you may have to use insulated joiners on the rails coming from the frog. 

[nuno81291]

ok. I opened the other turnout I had and surprise surprise- no issue going thru both ways of the turnout. I returned the faulty #4 to the LHS and the replacement functions as expected...consider this thread done - mods please delete. if anyone out there finds old stock custom line turnouts try them when you buy them so you can exchange them (if you purchase local) in case you end up like me. Nice to not have to wait for atlas to respond and just get a new unit the next day I could make it down to the shop. Anyways in regards to the track I am very impressed but I may go to proto87 kit turnouts with code 55 to satisfy my shortline light rail interest....however for the money and ease this stuff (83) feels like a relative code 55 for N... easy to work with and luckily no issue of the raised frogs as per my searching about the atlas HO 83 switches. Good day!

[Cory Rothlisberger]

Glad to see you have everything squared away. Any chance you still have the packaging from the turnout that worked? Would love to know what the code on the back of the blister was (stamped 4-digit number). I can check out if there have been any other issues with that production...

[nuno81291]

All were stamped 1413