Problem with current on sidings

[RobertInOntario]

Rob:
First check is down the sidings. Look for bits of metal across the tracks -- pins or something fallen from a loco. Look at the points. There may be little metal bits in under the switch points.
Is this DCC? Take the rolling stock off the sidings. Something wiyh metal wheels may be sitting over a gap.
Now check under the layout and look at the wiring -- something may have been twisted together.
Do your gaps have insulation in them? If not, rails may have shifted.

Thanks, David. I think your theory re pins or bits of metal could be the problem. I'll try to take a closer look around that siding, turnout & area leading up to it. BTW, the layout is DC (I haven't gone the DCC route ... yet ... have you? Just curious).

I was also just experimenting with the points and I did discover one curious thing. As soon as the top/outermost blade (of the turnout in the top right) touches the outermost rail of the inner loop, the train running on the inner loop stops. And, as soon as I move this blade a fraction away from the rail (so it's no longer touching) the train starts running again. Does this info shed any light on this problem?

Thanks again,
Rob