Powering the Frogs on Walthers DCC-Friendly Turnouts

GNMT76 Sep 23, 2018

  1. GNMT76

    GNMT76 TrainBoard Member

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    Just when - under what circumstances, that is - is it necessary to power the frogs? Not just recommended, but necessary.

    From what I've read so far elsewhere, I understand that powering the frogs is recommended for locos with long wheelbases so that electrical contact is not lost and short circuits don't occur when crossing a turnout.

    I recently purchased the DCC-friendly Walthers (all-live) turnouts for my DC-powered HO layout. My Alco FA-1 A-B diesel set, a 2-8-0 Rivarossi Mikado and rolling stock of only 40 feet all have short wheelbases.

    On a previous layout of the same, small size (7' x 5') using Atlas Snap Switch (also all-live) turnouts, I never experienced an electrical problem with the turnouts. And because of the layout's small size, I won't be adding locos with longer wheelbases.

    So, powering the frogs on my Walthers turnouts with my short-wheelbase locos: At all necessary - or even recommended?

    Thanks!
     
  2. GNMT76

    GNMT76 TrainBoard Member

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    Question answered elsewhere.
     

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