Kato Unitrack - Different Frogs on Switches? (HO)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I think you call them “frogs”, but am building mayout, and just noticed the following on my HO scale track.

2-850 (#4) - Has an all metal “frog”

2-860 (#6) - Has a black, molded plastic “frog”

Do I need to worry about mixing these 2 types of switches on my layout? I’ll be using a Bachmann DCC system.

Thanks for any advice.

InterFX

2

Ok, I have figured some of this out now…

The ones with the metal frogs are only powered to the siding when the switch is thrown that way… Anyway to modify this switch to act like the ones without a metal frog (like the #6, with black plastics frogs?)

The reason I’m asking is I’m running a DCC layout and want to have the engine working on both sides of the switch… Is this normal to have the #4, and the #6 to be different?

Thanks

3

I have the same question. I purchased 8 of these switches not realizing that they were power routing, but they fit my track plan perfectly. I am using the ESU ECOS DCC system. Is there a way to wire the innards of these switches so you always have power on both legs? Thanks in advance for any help!

4

It would be easier to just run feeders to both sides of the switch (actually all 3 sides of the switch) and call it a day. It won’t matter if the switch is power routing or not. You may have to add insulated joiners or cut gaps on the two legs of the switch.