Problem with current on sidings

[RobertInOntario]

I did have a similar problem with Pico switches. On some of them the two inner rails past the frog are electricly common to the frog. When the switch points make contact to the stock rails, they will pic up power from them by way of little wipers that attach to the bottom of the rail. This passes on power to the frog and the two inner rails of the switch that I mentioned earlier. So depending on the position of the switch the points, frog, and inner rails will be eather positive or negative. Insulators must be used on the two inner rails of the switch just past the frog . If they are not used the switch will cause a short where the track and switch meet in the opposite path that the switch is lined for. I hope this is not too confusing, I can draw up a diagram to post if it would help explain this. If you still have the old switch and a multi-metter you can test this for yourself.

Thanks -- I sort of understand this! I still have the two problematic turnouts and will have to get a meter to check them. The meter will come in handy in the future as well.