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Wiring frogs with Caboose Ind. Throws

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  • Member since
    March 2014
  • 23 posts
Wiring frogs with Caboose Ind. Throws
Posted by DCHO on Sunday, March 5, 2017 5:41 PM

I have tried three now, 119 and 220 types and have been unsuccessful.  The problem is getting the copper piece to contact the three silver medal leads.  Any suggestions.  Or is there a better product?  Is there a video on this?

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Mount Vernon WA
  • 968 posts
Posted by skagitrailbird on Sunday, March 5, 2017 7:00 PM

I have used the 220S version successfully although quite a few years ago, so I don't now recall exactly how I did it. Bit the wiring diagram on the Caboose Industries web site looks pretty straight forward.

What brand and type of turnout are you using? And what is happening (or not happening)? Shorts? Points not getting good contact with stock rails? Have you gapped the rails as indicated in the wiring diagram?

Roger Johnson
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, March 5, 2017 8:52 PM

I just installed a 220S last night. I have maybe a dozen on my layout and they do require careful assembly but once they are installed they work very reliably. Some of mine are 20 years old, no problems.

That little bronze folded strip can be a bugger to hold in place. Be sure you have the tiny plastic retainer oriented the right way. There is a small "bump" on it that faces away from the bronze slider. The gap in the slider goes toward the contacts.

I pre-wire the contacts using very fine, like 30 or 32 ga. wire and slip a length of heat shrink over each connection.

Be sure the hole through the layout is large enough, at least 3/8" to allow the three contacts to pass through without interference.

The bronze slider is bent to just the right angle so that when you snap it in place it puts just enough force against the three strips. Use a small, flat-nosed plier to hold the plastic tab while you press it in to hold the bronze strip.

http://www.cabooseind.com/instructions

 

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    March 2014
  • 23 posts
Posted by DCHO on Saturday, March 11, 2017 11:28 AM
Thanks Ed, the retainer orientation was the problem.
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, March 11, 2017 7:10 PM

Glad that fixed the problem. Once you have assembeled one of these and get the "gist" of what the instructions are refering to it goes much better.

That "bump" is barely visible and the plastic is soft and difficult to grip but that little tab on top of the retainer is "just" big enough to grip with a good pair of pliers. Needlenose aren't as much help, you need a wider grip.

Glad it worked out for you,

Ed

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