I recently published a video on YouTube that shows you how to install a Peco Twistlock motor, along with a Frog Juicer (although that's not obvious from the title of the video). Here's the link:
Installing a Peco Twistlock Motor
Here's another video that shows how to prepare an electrofrog turnout and I do snip the manufacturer's jumper wires under the turnout, per recommendations from some pretty sources.
Preparing an Electrofrog Turnout for Installation
Many thanks for your post. Makes sense, but I sense that making the modifications (snipping and adding jumper wire) is your preferred approach. Regards, MARKTO
Seems like either way should be equally good.
The reason it works unmodified, per Tam Valley's instructions, is that if the points and frog are left connected together, when you flip the points, it will short, and the Frog Juicer will flip. The Juicer powers the frog, closure rails, and point rails.
If you make the modifications and cut the jumpers to the closure rails (and add the other jumpers to the stock rails - this is important for reliability), now the points and closure rails are linked and powered by the adjacent stock rail, and the frog is powered by the Juicer. When a loco hit the frog, if the polarity is wrong, the Juicer will flip and the loco continues on.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Mightily confused! Tam Valley jucier documentation says you do not have to modify the electrofog turnout...just attach a lead to the frog wire and you're go to go. Yet everywhere I go (on the internet) I see folks snipping the two little jumper wires between the frog and the closure rails. Being new to DCC (and having already fried up my Power cab) just a little hestitant to move forward. What to folks recommend?