which frog?

[sahansen]

I'm a newcomer wanting to think my way through a layout before building. The idea is a switching layout, the era is 1890 to 1930--all small steam. DCC would be best since I want to walk around and uncouple cars and throw switches my self-manually. Are slow speed steam engines and insulated frogs incompatible. Are electrified frogs and DCC incompatible? Do I have to choose between stalls and shorts? Thanks in advance

 

[UP2CSX]

In general, DCC and insulated frogs are the ideal combination. Live frogs are not incompatible with DCC but they require some work. Start with the articles at http://www.loystoys.com/MiscHTML/turnout-topics.html on the different kinds of turnouts. Then move on to the DCC topics. The articles are very well written, aren't overly technical, and will answer most of your questions.

 

[sahansen]

thanks for the info, Jim--sahansen

 

[Selector]

I agree with Jim's information. The ideal solution is to have no track unpowered to reduce the probability of stalling engines to near zero, but unless you are willing to provide switching devices, including automatic or electro-mechanical ones that also switch the frog's power orientation depending on the position of the points rails, a dead frog solves a lot of problems.

It also introduces one serious problem, and that is for older engines and short pick-up based ones that can stall on dead frogs. I have several turnouts, including #8's of both the handlaid, insulated frog kind and #8's of the curved kind, also with an insulated frog. The only engine I have that experienced persistent problems was a small SW8 from Proto 2000 that also had a traction tire. Once I swapped out the traction tire with a metal wheelset, the engine joined all others in my roster that are perfectly happy with dead/isolated frogs.

So, choose your engines carefully, or be prepared to do one of two things: power the frogs with switchable polarity, or add wipers to more wheels for better power pick-up.

-Crandell

 

[UP2CSX]

Small wheelbase engines with traction tires can cause problems even with live frogs. I really hate traction tires, although I know that some N scale engines can't hardly pull themselves around the rails without one. I wonder how Bullfog Snot does compared to rubber tractions tires?

 

[Selector]

It does at least as well, Jim, except that it can impede conductivity if you coat a wiped driver. If you can find a driver on each side that is geared/rodded, but not wiped, you could be in business.

-Crandell