Fast Tracks

Can some one tell me how to wire the frogs of dual gauge switches. I will be using Tortoise switch machine to throw the points. Also were do I put gaps? Jim

The frog cuts are shown on the track templates, at least on the one I just looked at (HO-HON3 #6 Dual Left). Should be basically the same for them all.

As for the Tortoise, it looks like it's pretty much the same as a normal turnout frog - just bigger & more complicated. The frog area seems to be all one chunk, electrically. Pick either half of the Tortoise and look at the sheet that comes with it. There is one "common" edge connector with a bent line (indicating that it's a moving switch point). Wire that to the frog. Wire the other two to the left and right rails, respectively. Be sure you check to be sure that the correct one is connected - again, use the Tortoise diagram to see which ones will be connected based on which way the Tort is thrown.

Jim

Jim
In the one Dual gauge turnout that I have installed and tested using a HO/n3 2-8-0 loco. The loco seems to run through the turn out fine. On my Tort. switch mach. I have my direction lites wired to the machine. I have found that there are 3 more connection available,one common and onethat seems to make a connection, the third one seems to have no connection. Like I said at the beginning I have no problem running through the turnout without powering the frog. I hope this does not confuse you to much. My e-mail is 6384@frontiernet.net contact me if you would like and we can figure it out together
C&C Jim

That doesn't sound quite right. Tortoises have two sets of points. They are set up so that you have one common connector for each set. Those are the two closest to the center of the Tort edge connector - pins 4 & 5. Each of those has two possible connections. When the Tort runs ONE of those two connections for EACH of the center connectors (4 & 5) will be connected to ONE of the two connectors that "belong to it". Pin 4 may be connected to pin 3. If it is then pin 5 will be connected to pin 7. In effect, they are opposites. If 4 connects to 2 then 5 connects to 6. To power a frog (for example) you could connect pin 4 to the frog and pins 2 & 3 to the rails. If you're careful to connect the correct rail's wire to the pin 2 & 3 connectors, the frog will switch with the Tortoise. You could power the frog equally well with 5, 6 & 7 - but with the wires switched between 6 & 7. Also, if your loco is long enough to bridge a dead frog, yes, it'll run right through. If it's not - it'll stop.

Jim

You are correct. I double checked this morning and I had the continuity checker on the wrong terminals. when I ran the 2-8-0 thru at low speed it did stall. Think I have it figured out now
THanks Jim