[I] I recently put in some new Atlas number six turnouts on my layout; most of my engines, (Bachman, Spectrum, IHC, Stewarts, Athearns, and the like) travel right through without hesitation, but some, especially brass stall on the frog. So, I thought maybe I could solder a piece of wire to the base of the frog and provide some electrical contact and power the frog. Great idea, a powered frog, but where do I attach that wire to provide electricity. I didn’t want to do something that would short out the layout.
Can someone please tell me where to solder the other end of the wire after I attach it the frog.
The wire needs to switch polarity as your points are thrown so that the polarity matches the way the points are set. Some switch machines and some ground throws have extra connection points for this purpose. AFAIK Atlas switch machines do not have this capability.
First don’t solder directly to the frog, too much heat will ding the plastic ties. Atlas provided two holes in the metal frogs that can be tapped for either a 2mm or 2-56 screw. Using a #2 terminal lug install the screw from the bottom of the turnout and using flush cutters cut off the screw from the top of the tie after tighten it. This will provide very a good power contact to the frog.
You will have to switch the frog power with either an Atlas Snap Relay, or contacts from the turnout switch machine you plan on using.
Welcome to the turnout wiring club! I’ve experienced this issue first-hand and looking to get Frog juicers for the turnouts. They are apparently, an easier alternative than the switch machines. They also are smaller, so no need to bury them under the foam. Something to consider.
