Using the Wide-Radius Switch with
Locos From Other Manufacturers

Concerning the recent release of our new wide-radius switches, we’ve noticed on certain occasions with some, but not all locomotives from other manufacturers that the contact shoe may simultaneously touch the short rail of the frog and the running rail of opposing electrical polarity, causing a short circuit.

The easiest solution to remedy this is to cut the power to the short frog rails. Turn the switch over and remove the three screws from the plastic plate covering the frog and its wiring. Locate the power feed wires to the short frog rails and cut them with a pair of wire cutters. Trim any dangling wires to prevent any more short circuits. This should resolve the problem.

At the bottom of the page, you will find an illustration showing which wires to cut.