I am making a change on my layout by adding a 44557 turnout. This will be a dead end track but I want to know should I power the frog ? What difference would it be if I power the frog anyway? Why even have the option?
I powered all the frogs on my layout. I am using Atlas track. Powering frogs keeps my short equipment and things like my railcar and Galloping Goose, from stalling.
Sid
Sooner or later you'll have some engine or piece of equipment that will need that frog powered to not stall. It may not be apparent now, but you'll be glad you did.
Thank you Sid and Trainman for your reply. Still trying to understand why you would not power it?
Because on these Bachmann switch's, when the frog is powered, approaching from the trailing side when the points are misaligned can cause a short circuit. Careful operation can avoid it but some folks don't want to deal with it.