I am in the process of building a new layout and am using Atlas custom line switches with the metal frogs. I want to connect the frogs to the track bus, but am not sure if I should drill and tap the hole, and if I do drill and tap, what size tap would you recommend. I can't thing of any other way to connect a wire to the frog, have tried to solder to it but no luck. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jerry

-- Jerry A. Birt Sr. (jbirtsr@planetcable.net), March 09, 2002

Answers

Jerry,

Atlas includes a small brass strip that is already tapped on both ends, and a screw with their #200 Snap Relay. I think you can also get just the strip and screw as a parts order. Nice thing about the strip is it's fast to assemble, and it sticks out just a little from the side of the turnout so you can easily power the frog even after the turnout is installed. Solder a wire to one end of the brass strip before attaching the other end to the frog with the screw. Easily covered with a little ballast or scenery. If you use an Atlas switch machine, you will want to use their snap relay to power the frog. If you are going to use a tortoise switch machine, just buy the strip and screw. Good luck, John

-- John Bevington (jrb@bevco.com), March 09, 2002.