A Few Questions (DCC/Frogs)

[gattsu]

Hello all, I'm building my first DCC layout and am running into a few issues.
The layout is a point to point N scale shelf layout with a focus on switching, featuring a seven track yard on one end and a multitude of industrial spurs throughout the rest of the layout. The track is made up of Atlas code 80 flextrak and all the turnouts are Atlas code 80 #6's. I have equipped all switches with Caboose Industries 206S ground throws. To power the layout I've purchased the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra DCS51 command station as well as three UP5 panels that offer walkaround control.
Not having a great amount of knowledge electrical-wise, I used 14AWG wire for the bus feed and 20 AWG for the track feeders. Instead of soldering, closed-end 'suitcase' connectors were used to connect the feeders to the bus. Instead of having feeders attached to every piece of track, I placed feeders every 3 feet (about 11 total) and soldered all the rail joiners.


Now is where I've run into issues, I have both 4 and 6 axle motive power, and all my locomotives experience stalling on straight sections of track as well as when travelling over turnouts. I'm sure the track is powered because when I use my ampmeter I get an average reading of 13.8 amps.
I've read that the majority of N scale stalling issues have to do with the turnout, especially the frog. I've heard of something called a frog juicer, produced by Tam Valley which will automatically reverse the polarity of the frog when a locomotive travels over it. However, when I look at the Atlas turnouts I've installed on my layout, the frogs are made of plastic, as such a frog juicer would not do anything? What if anything can I do to get smooth electrical operation?
Would splitting my layout into separate electrical districts help? As well with a 3amp Zephyr Xtra command station, how many locomotives can I have on my layout drawing power concurrently?


I'm really at a loss of how to proceed.
Thank you for reading and your replies.

 

[santafewillie]

First of all, welcome to the forum gattsu.
Disclaimer: I do not use DCC and I am an HO modeler, but your issue crosses many lines. If you are getting good amp readings across the entire layout, look at your locomotives, specifically the wheels; and the track itself. It all needs to be impeccably clean, especially for N scale layouts. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean both. 3 amp should be sufficient for at least 6 locomotives. Even in HO, locomotives rarely draw more than .5 amps.
Otherwise, it seems like you did everything quite well. The Atlas unpowered frogs do not pose any problem in most situations.
Willie

 

[pmwtrain]

I also model HO but had similar problems with Atlas turnouts. If you have plastic frogs like I do you might have to file the frog down a bit because it is slightly higher than the rails. I got this advice on this forum (I am a beginner building my first DCC layout too) and since I've done it the problems on my turnouts are gone.

Good luck!

 

[roofintrash]

Definitely sounds like dirty or dusty track and/or wheels. Keeping track clean is one of the biggest pains in the butt for me. I run trains in spurts and after a few weeks it seems the dust really kills my reliability.

 

[Iron Horseman]

all my locomotives experience stalling on straight sections of track as well as when travelling over turnouts.

I agree with the others. This sounds like dirty track, dirty wheels, and/or dirty pick ups on the wheels. How old are these units? I presume you purchased them with DCC installed which would make them fairly new.

I've read that the majority of N scale stalling issues have to do with the turnout, especially the frog. I've heard of something called a frog juicer, .... However, when I look at the Atlas turnouts I've installed on my layout, the frogs are made of plastic, as such a frog juicer would not do anything?

Correct, a frog juicer is for hot frog turnouts. Won't do anything in your situation.

What if anything can I do to get smooth electrical operation?

Start by cleaning everything. They should run on straight level track regardless. Only after that can more diagnostics be attempted.

Would splitting my layout into separate electrical districts help?

No.

As well with a 3amp Zephyr Xtra command station, how many locomotives can I have on my layout drawing power concurrently?

Depends on the specific locomotives, if you have lighted passenger cars, sound, etc., but I would guess at least 6, probably 9 non-sound units, and maybe even 12.

 

[gattsu]

Thanks for the replies everyone. this weekend I'll spend a few hours cleaning everything and see if it'll run properly. the units were all purchased either dcc ready or with a factory installed decoder.