I have a 14x14 loop with a dead end siding. All Ross track and switches with Legacy and DCS. I have and insulated pin coming off the switch and a hot wire to the siding with a SPST switch to control the siding power.
When the Loco enters the siding it gets a little over half way and loses power.
I suspect it has to do with the switch. Can anyone help me?

I feel your pain. I spent the day with a friend troubleshooting the wiring on my layout. I think he is probably still shaking his head after looking under my layout . . .

It is probably the engine. The pickup rollers are both off of a power rail at the point where it stops. If you can it is best to alter the engine by adding another pickup somehow. If you mess with the switch, you can cause problems with other engines that otherwise would pass through the switch OK.
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Dennis

I have found that sometime engines with close pick ups do that as opposed to engines with a greater distance won't. sometime I lock the engines in 1 direction only also. one more idea, make the switch powered all the way through that block on all 3 sides so it has power from one block only.

What is your power supply?

Brent

Power is a single 180w Lionel Brick

If you have a meter, check the outside rails for ground. Sometimes the rubber tires will cause the engine to lose ground.

Okay,
So I am not sure I stated exactly what is going on correctly in my initial post
(I suck at electricity by the way)
The siding has power with a regular pin. I replace the pin with a plastic pin and no power, even with the spst switch in the on position. The power for the siding comes from my mainline to the spst switch to the siding. Any suggestions?

take a piece of wire, touch 1 end to the left outside rail and the other end to the right outside rail and see if that helps you

Jump the pin with a wire after it stops to see if the train moves,also jump the outer rail. If it does you do not have the switch wired correctly or it is a bad switch or you have a bad outer rail connection. The train moves down parially on the siding because either the pickup rollers or the outer wheels are completing the circuit.. Either that or you just have bad track connections on the siding.

Dale H

I get it now. You are talking about the SPST switch not working, not your turnout (switch). Apparently your engine moves correctly into the siding when you have the steel pin in place between the turnout and the siding.

You can check the SPST switch easily with a volt meter set at the continuity position. Touch a probe to each contact of the SPST switch. In the "On" position you will get a beep. In the off position no beep.
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Dennis

I got it guys! I'll share one of trains most embarrassing moments with those of you who contributed. I suspected all along that it was something over looked or simple. Studied my wiring, studied my wiring book, and on and on.
Ahhhhhh.......that's right. It's the center rail that's hot, not the outer rails. I mean DUH! Ogauge 101 here. But that's what happens when you really don't have someone to turn to for help, another reason for me to be thankful for this forum. If you have a local buddy, Dad or friend that is fluent in this stuff and can help you when your in a jam, don't take it for granted.
Everything I've had to learn has been on my own and of course from some helpful friends here. Thanks guys.