Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

background buildings model trains

How to Power Frogs and Switches

Chris asks readers:

“I need help with powering a switch frog. I get shorts. What is the best way to power the frog or sometimes switches too?”

One Response to How to Power Frogs and Switches

  • W Rusty Lane says:

    I used Atlas relays to power my electro-frogs. Since I use a double mainline crossover I had to find a way to power the frog(s) when switching from the mainline to the divergent track. There is also another way to go and that is to use Tam Valley frog juicers, especially if you´re using DCC. My layout is strictly DC and the Atlas relays work just fine for me. I also use the Atlas momentary switches to switch from the mainline to the divergent track. The wiring is straight forward and if you understand electricity, it is no problem using the relays. Underneath my layout you will find two Atlas relays for my double crossover. One is used for the mainline to divergent track and the other is used for the divergent track back to the mainline. The momentary switch provides power (from a power pack mounted under the layout which I use the AC portion of the power pack) to two frogs at once. The other momentary switch provides power to the other set of frogs. I´ve never had any problems with switching from mainline to divergent track and vice versa.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

scale model building stores
scale model building yard freight office
low relief yard railways
scale model building tall background

Download Your Free Catalog

wild west town model

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

scale model building house

Model Train Help Ebook

Model Railroading Blog Archive

Reader Poll

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.