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Stalling on Atlas turn out.

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Gateway City
  • 1,593 posts
Stalling on Atlas turn out.
Posted by yankee flyer on Thursday, January 31, 2008 4:48 PM

    

Hello one & all

I have a short wheel base SW8 switcher that some times stalls on my Atlas turn outs (insulated frogs) I think. I understand they can be jumper wired but I'm not sure from what to what.

I appreeeeeeeciate it.

Lee

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Thursday, January 31, 2008 4:50 PM

That insulated frog is most likely killing your lil sw-8

But try this:

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches_atlas_roco.htm

Edit: What do you use for your turnout control?

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Gateway City
  • 1,593 posts
Posted by yankee flyer on Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:58 PM

DigitalGriffin

I'm using the atlas dual coil motors. I gather from the A&R turnout diagram that the problem derives from loss of contact at the blade hinge? Is that correct?

Thanks for the post

Lee

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 883 posts
Posted by jktrains on Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:24 PM

Your correct that the problem is being caused by the dead or insulated frog.  Also, as the size of the turnout increases, the length of the dead frog also increases and so does the likelihood of stalling on it.  The frog needs to be power routed.  Unfortunately, if you're using the atlas switch machine motors there is no way to do that without a few additoinal components.  To keep it all Atlas, you need to add an Atlas snap relay that will power the frog with the correct polarity as the rail leading to it.  Instructions with the snap relay should explain how to do this.

Other options include using a power switch machine motor like a Tortoise which has additional contacts for power routing the frog.  Caboose Industries makes a ground throw with contacts.  My personal favorite is to use a slide switch as the turnout control and using the switch contacts to power route the frog.

  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: Thornton, CO
  • 763 posts
Posted by jwils1 on Thursday, January 31, 2008 7:03 PM

Yankee Flyer:

Does your SW8 have traction tires?  Mine stalled a lot but since I eliminated them my SW8 very rarely stalls on my Atlas turnouts.  Many of mine are the snap switches with plastic frogs so they can't be powered but that's no longer a problem.

Jerry

Jerry

Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:00 PM
 yankee flyer wrote:

DigitalGriffin

I'm using the atlas dual coil motors. I gather from the A&R turnout diagram that the problem derives from loss of contact at the blade hinge? Is that correct?

Thanks for the post

Lee

If you are dieing on the points, then yes.  If you are dieing on the frog, then you need to wire that up or check for a loose contact.

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

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