Atlas Code 83 #6 switches - stalling problems

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Just finished wiring some track on my new layout, and found that I’m having a lot of stalling problems on the switches, most of which are Atlas #6. They’re generally pretty good - I used both available varieties - no problems with derailments, but most of my engines stutter or stall when crossing the frogs.

Any suggestions are welcome…

regards,

Rob

2

you may have to power the frogs if you’re using single pick-up locomotives or they are really short locomotives…e-mail me and i’ll send you a wiring diagram drawn on microsoft word in an attachment to show you how to power the frogs using either a toggle switch, atlas relay, or tortoise machine contacts.

3

I ran into the same problem. Since you can’t power insul. frogs for DCC friendly turnouts, your only option is to increase the number of picksups on your loco,

i found some wiper picksups that run along the track from TOMAR industries. But I really don’t like these types. I was hoping to have them run across the metal axel of the tender. I’m going to work on it this week, and I’ll report back.

~Don

4

First be sure the track, loco wheels and electrical pickups are clean.
I found the contacts that power to the point rail and wing rails on Atlas turnouts to b a electrical problem. Unless you are running very short wheel base locomotives like a 0-4-0, you don’t need to power the frogs. Use a multi tester to find the poor connection. Be sure you didn’t spike the turnout down too tight and distorted it. If you did, pull the track nails out and test it again. You may have to remove the turnouts solder jumper wires and take care not to melt the ties.
If the turnout test good for continuity, then check out the power going to the turn out.

5

You can power the frogs on Atlas turnouts, there is a little “ear” on the side of the frog with a hole in it. Drill and tap it for a 1-72 screw. Tattach the power feeder for the frog there. As previously mentioned you will need some sort of electrical switch to route the power.

Dave H.

6

Had the same problem with a few of mine, powered both ends of the turnout and now
the locos run smooth across them