Need help on determining number of dual frog juicers...

Sumner Apr 15, 2019

  1. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    In my layout planning I have a hidden staging yard that trains can enter from either end of the main line. So a common staging yard that basically handles both ends of the main line. Above is just a portion of the yard and is where I would also like to reverse trains that enter from either end of the yard if so desired.

    It is basically two reversing loops that overlay each other via a crossing. A train coming from either direction could also pass through without reversing by staying on the bottom or top track, then continuing through on the common section at the bottom left without entering either reversing section.

    My question is how many dual frog juicers do I need, 3 or 5?

    Thanks for any help,

    Sumner
     
  2. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I think I'll probably have to have a frog juicer on each side of the crossing for each reversing section since one part of the train could be on one side of the crossing and the rest on the other. Can't get my head totally around it. I emailed Tam Valley and will post the response if I get one.

    If anyone has any thoughts I'd still like to hear them. Thanks,

    Sumner
     
  3. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Are you trying to use Frog Juicer's as an auto-reverser? Typically, I just use them to power frogs, and use a PSX AR for my auto-reverser.

    You have 6 switches, so need 3 Dual Frog Juicers (or one Hex-Frog Juicer) to power your frogs.

    You have two reversing sections (the two "inner" legs of the circle), though you may want to consider other options on what changes polarity and what doesn't. It really depends on how long these legs actually are. The key is to ensure that your entire train (or the electrically active part of it, including cars which only have lights) must fit in your reversing section. You do not, ever, want to have an auto-reverser protecting two distinct reversing districts (think about it, what if something is crossing into both at the same time).

    Depending on what comes off your lines going to the top and to the right, you may want to consider making the two wyes and the extending lines (for some reasonable distance) the reversing sections. Leave the circle at single polarity.
     
  4. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks. The dual frog juicer or the Hex frog juicer can be used as a reverser in Wye's, turntables and reverse loops by changing a jumper on the board. It doesn't then power the frog but powers the two rails of that section. The Dual will handle one such section and the Hex 3 sections. I haven't heard back from Tam Valley but think my problem is one that you stated where I would have a train on both sides of that crossing at the same time.

    I think I'll go a different route that is simpler and less expensive....

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    I'll have one reverse loop run under the other one so they will be completely separate. I have a long enough run to the bottom one to drop it under the other one. I'll loose being able to run around the outside but there are plenty of tracks in the yard to do that.

    Thanks for the input, appreciate it,

    Sumner
     
  5. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I received a reply from Duncan at Tam Valley and if I understand him correctly I need dual frog juicers on both sides of the crossing in the two reversing sections along with one for the crossing as I showed in the second drawing. One Hex juicer could also handle the crossing and 2 of the 4 reversing sections. I'll probably go with the third drawing and a Hex Frog Juicer. It would handle the two reversing loops and also 2 frogs some place else.

    Sumner
     

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