I recently bought a Bachmann Climax and am running it on a small switching layout. I am using Atlas code 100 snap switches on it. On some of the turnouts the loco stalls and others it runs thru fine. I figure its the plastic frogs causing this and wondering is there any way to fix them. If not what type of turnout should I replace them with. Also I am powering it with the Tech 6 sound controller. Thanks
Anyone have any ideas?
You probably answered your question. Replace the turnouts with powered frogs.
If the loco has a decoder, install a stay alive module. Decoder companies sell them. Different name for them with different companies. Might work. Make sure all wheels pickup.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Check to make sure each wheel is picking up current. I turned mine upsidedown and use some wires to each pair of wheels and found one whell wiper wasn't making good contact with it's wheel. If all are OK a current keeper or electro frog are the only other fixes.
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
I had a similar problem as Alantrains with one of the wheel wipers out of place.
All of my turnouts (#6) have live frogs and my loco runs extremely well, without even a hint of hesitation, when going through a turnout.
Wayne
Modeling HO Freelance Logging Railroad.
Thanks for the replies, are the wipers the brass looking tabs on the trucks? Will also check into changing the turnouts when I get a chance
alcofanschdy Thanks for the replies, are the wipers the brass looking tabs on the trucks? Will also check into changing the turnouts when I get a chance
Yes, those are the wipers used for electrical pickup. I had one that was out of place but it was easy to nudge it back to the proper location. Just be careful that you don't bend the tab.
The wipers were ok so I need to change the turnouts. Since I have all Atlas code 100 I need to get track with metal frogs and the Atlas is out. I assume Peco would have what I need, should I get a #4 or 6 to replace the snap switches that are a problem. I have to use mail order and can't go locally to compare.
Neither #4 nor #6 turnouts will be an exact match for the snap switches you are currently using. The diverging route of the #4 or #6 will be at a different angle than the snap switches which will necessitate re-working some of your track.
I hand make my turnouts using Fast Tracks templates so I'm not all that familiar with Atlas or Peco turnouts. However, I'm sure there is someone here that has experience with Atlas products and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Atlas has a turnout with a metal frog that will work for you. So I wouldn't necessarily discount Atlas. And I'm sure Peco fits into this same category. Unfortunately I don't know exactly what Atlas or Peco turnout to recommend for you.
Finally, you will need some way to direct the correct power to the frog when the points are moved. I use Tortoise Switch Machines as they have built in electrical switches which automatically route the correct + or - current to the frog depending upon the direction of the points. However, there are several other methods one can use besides Tortoise and it might be that Peco turnouts will automatically direct the power to the frog---hopefully someone here with experience with Peco products can help you.
Good luck,