I have an Atlas Customline #4 turnout (#282). Not sure of the vintage, but I think it's a Mark 3, with some kind of metal frog. It has not been modified. The frog should be isolated/dead- as with all my others. Instead, it has electrical continuity with the curved closure rail that leads into it, but I can't see how. This creates a short on the straight path. I guess this is a manufacturing fault. I would be happy if the frog were isolated. Any suggestions on how to isolate the frog? Thank you.
Sure. A suggestion:
First, get your VOM out and put one probe on the frog, and one probe on each of the four rails leading to it. Which of those four are connected to the frog?
Since you want a dead frog, it seems to me you will have to cut the "live" rail(s) near where it(they) joins the frog. If it were me, I'd use a jeweler's saw:
It will cut a nice narrow slot, and it is easy to control--two things a cutoff wheel are not. You should then fill the gap with epoxy, so it doesn't close up. Just for fun, test with the VOM again.
Then turn the switch over, and fill the cut gaps in the plastic with some more epoxy, for strength.
YOU are in possession of this item, so you are in a better place than I to evaluate my suggestion.
Es
What you have there is a zombie frog!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I had an issue like that once. There was a burr on the bottom of the frog that was coming in contact with the little straps that bridge the rails underneath the ties. I popped the frog out, filed the burr off, and good as new. Well, better than new.
I had a 30 degree Atlas crossing that is supposed to have some dead sections. One of them would get power when a heavy locomotive crossed and cause a short.
I replaced the crossing with a Walthers one and made the problem go away.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thank you. I have a couple of fine saws for this kind of thing. I've just been hoping there was a different way.
I'll have to play around with it. I think maybe the frog is moulded in, but I might try it. Thank you.
Thank you. I've bought a replacement one in case nothing else works. I'm not sick of Atlas turnouts yet, but I am finding various quality issues. Understand your Walthers preference.