Any ideas on why an engine would short at a turnout in one direction but not the other?
Dieselman
When you installed the turnout you may have pushed one of the rails into the frog. Look at where all the rails meet the frog, none should be touching the frog. If they are take a small flatblade screwdriver and separate where they contact.
Jerry
I agree with Jerry on his suggestion.. I dont know what brand of switches your using but I perfure PECO's...I use all PECO switches on my layout with insul frog's already installed & have my wire lead's wired on both sides of my switches as well just for assurance when switch is thrown there's no possible way to loose power to my loco's... But like jerry says make sure nothing is touching your frogs..
TMB,
I have encountered that problem myself and helped others that have done the same.
Jerry
Sounds like a good place to start, thanks guys