Stalling on Electrofrog points

[Carl L]

I have installed Peco code 100 electrofrog points on Neptune Street; points have been modified as per the 'switchable frog option' instructions on the rear of the packaging, the two wires from the switch blades to the rails leading to the frog cut and each blade linked to the respective outer rail, (as also detailed under 'live frog switching and rail bonding' on Brian Lambert's web site). All points are fitted with Seep PM1 point motors with the inbuilt frog polarity switch, the point frog wire connected to terminal F.

A Bachmann class 20 runs through the points fine, but three steam engines, Bachmann (all) crab, K3 and A2 all stall at slow running. As the class 20 runs through fine I'm thinking that I haven't done anything wrong, unless someone can tell me otherwise.

At the moment I'm a touch disgruntled with live frog, it's not living up,to my expectations.

Advice would be welcomed.

[Walkingthedog]

Are the points perfectly flat. A track pin as near to the centre as possible, obviously not in the frog area, could cure the problem. Points are prone to bow for some reason.

[Steve M]

Two things to check:
Are the points absolutely, perfectly flat and level? Place a steel straight edge on the rails and look for gaps and high points.
Secondly, are the Seep switches actually switching? They can be notorious for alignment and reliability.

Also, if you are DCC, consider fitting an electronic switch such as the Gaugemaster DCC80. Won’t work on dc though.

[Carl L]

Sorry forgot to add that the layout is DCC.

WTD - I'll check the levelness of the points (perhaps not tonight it's a bit cold out there to venture out!)

Steve - yes the Seep pm's are throwing points.

[Brian]

Hi
I think the clue lies in the fact that Seep PM1 motors have been used.
These motors need to be 100% in line with the point above.
I suspect the Seep PM1 motor may need to be moved very slightly to the left or right slightly to ensure the "F" contact makes correctly to the "D" or "E" whichever way the point is positioned.

[Carl L]

Brian

Re:

'I think the clue lies in the fact that Seep PM1 motors have been used.
These motors need to be 100% in line with the point above.
I suspect the Seep PM1 motor may need to be moved very slightly to the left or right slightly to ensure the "F" contact makes correctly to the "D" or "E" whichever way the point is positioned.'

Would the fact that the class 20 runs ok indicate that the motor is aligned correctly?

[Walkingthedog]

Diesels are far more forgiving than steam locos and will often run happily where steam locos won’t.

[Ron S]

And a voltmeter will tell if the frog is correctly powered.

AS WTD said, diesels are better on frogs as they have more pick ups and the bogies can rock better than fixed wheel based steam.

[Steve M]

The only way to check that the switch is operating the electrical contacts is to test continuity with a multi meter.

[Carl L]

Appreciate all the comments and advice. I had a sneaky feeling some time ago that I might need a multi meter or voltmeter. Another learning curve to negotiate.