Powering frogs on Atlas code 83 remote turnouts

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I am building a very small HO layout and need to power the frogs on 2 turnouts. I have used caboose ground throws with microswitches, and Tortoise switch motors in the past, but there is absolutely zero room for either one.

So, I’m thinking about using the Atlas motor and somehow powering the frog, which is a must because of the extremely short motive power.

Is it possible to power the frog with the Atlas switch motor?

2

You can use a Atlas Snap Relay for powering the frog but it will need to be activated separately from an external momentary switch.

EDIT:

You could just use a SPDT toggle switch and not use a relay.

Mel

My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

3

Sounds like I could use the relay and wire it to the momentary switch that operates the switch motor. No extra steps to operate both the turnout and powering the frog.

That’s exactly what I needed to know.

Thanks Mel!

4

Relay will only switch contacts so long as the coil has power - no power, and it swaps back to the other position.

5

A regular relay, that’s true. The “Snap Relay” is just like the Atlas switch machine, dual coil with an armature in it. Continuous power will overheat the iron core and smoke the coil.

https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-51-snap-relay.aspx

Good Luck, Ed

6

Take Care! [:D]

Frank

7

If you are powering two machines at the same time, you might need a capacitive discharge circuit to provide more power when you hit the button to throw the two machines simultaneously.