How to wire a point - Made easy

A simple guide for how to eliminate stalling on points.
This applies to all scales and gauges but here is demonstrated using Peco '00' gauge code 100.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS METHOD IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR INSULFROG POINTS.
YOU MUST USE A DPDT SWITCH TO OPERATE ELECTRO or LIVE FROG POINTS!
Electrofrog points will be covered in another video

[@lawrencelewis8105]

You would think that Peco would do something like this when they make the points. Sure wish I had done this before I ballasted the track but I will be doing it on all points on the rest of the layout. Many thanks, this helps a lot!

[@grahamsibbert2412]

Hello. A very clear video thank you. However, I loose power as my Flying Scotsman goes over the frog. It will run round several times, then just cut out. I have to switch of&, let the controller reset then start again. Any ideas please. Oh, the points in question are both Hornby 00 gauge and are connected back to back.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

It sounds like it's creating an electrical short which is tripping your control system. You'll probably want to put insulating fish plates between them and see if that solves the issue.

[@pat2633]

im wondering why most videos on you tube seem to be from the UK dosen't anyone in the usa model trains lol however the info on this video is a big help only problem is im gonna have to rewatch it a dozen times in order to understand what he is saying Winston Churchill said the british and americans are two peoples seperated by a common language.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Had loads of problem with N gauge points on my layout. Ended up replacing several sets. Locos were stalling on the frogs. Did everything including cleaning but no avail.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

General Motors I hope this will stop the problems you've been having.

[@markrobinson3197]

Thanks for the video - would you do exactly the same for the N gauge ?

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Hi Mark Robinson. Yes, providing you are using insulfrog points its exactly the same thing.

[@aeroken1]

Im sure i tried it this way but it showed a short, For dcc do you use any insulators on the ends of the rails. Also can you show a close up of the frong on that point, im sure mine are the same. Many Thanks

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

kenneth robertson yes,you put isolators on the 'toe' if the rail (the ends that meet the frog. hope that helps

[@andrewgowing9815]

Thank you for the attempt at making what would be a very useful tutorial, but it needed close-ups of the essential details. Difficult to see much of anything.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Andrew. Yea, this was done so long ago I hadn't the technology or know how then to do that properly. I'm amazed that so many people have actually looked at this video as I only did it to show a friend what he needed to do to sort outva running problem he was having. Thanks for the feedback and I might redo the video at some point showing In more detail what I've done.

[@alan1340]

Nicely explained but quality lighting is everything in video making :)

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Alan. Yes, this video was done quickly to explain the process as I was trying to explain it to someone on a Facebook group and it was easier to just physically show them what to do. In hindsight a bit more thought into production value would have been a good idea but I didn't really think more than a hand full of people would watch it when it was made.

[@trerod]

Hi, do you need insulated rail joiners for this method or will metal ones suffice?

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

hi Trevor, it depends how you're using your points, because the points are wired across the frog the rail at the toe is always live once you've done this modification. If in doubt use isolated fish plates. This wiring method is only designed to prevent stock from stalling on points. In the example of use at the end of the video all the points have isolated fish plates fitted. I hope that helps

[@jamescarter5954]

Can this work with electrofrog points?

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

You can providing you make sure you dont create an electrical short across the rails. You'll probably have to isolate the frog rail ends using isolating fish plates.

[@nigelcarter9503]

Great

[@48firefox]

Correct me if I am wrong, these points will not be self isolating after this modifcation, As I am on dc .I will have to fit isolation switches as all rails will be live no matter how the point is set?

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

basically yes. all you do is fit isolating fish plates at the toe of the point (the two rails that meet at the frog) to prevent electrical shorts. To isolate track sections you should use an on/off switch and a simple break/isolator in the rail.

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Useful video but lack of zooming in has made it really hard to see what you have done - sorry

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks David. Yea, this was quite a while ago but if I were to redo it then there would be a lot more close up images and better lighting to make it easier to see. Thanks for the comment and hope the video helped.

[@mtty1988]

I like how people say 11mins or the like. Is quick

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

to explain it clearly and demonstrate how to do it I think under 15 minutes is quick enough.

[@aplinewalker]

Hi there James (and Alex) Where can I get an Alex ,,, the camera work was outstanding , it must be a very good quality camera mount because it was rock solid all the way through,,,, and I presume it has voice recognition and voice command, as well as cognitive leaning built in,,,,, as for the video it was ok,,,,, No just joking ,,,, great video but a year too late for me,,,, all my points are down ,,, and this would have been such an understandable easy to follow prevention of constant trouble ,,,,,, I asked for N gauge clip at my model shop and I was told the don't N gauge one you have to have double O and cut the clips down ,,,,, which I still need to do ,,, but im sure this will hepl loads of newcomers,,,,, outstanding,,,, Alan

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

you dont want an Alex mate, they cant hold a camera for toffee or make cups of tea Hope you can get your power clips sorted mate

[@aplinewalker]

***** Not tried them yet James ,,,, Might try soldering a wire across on the inside,,,, if the clips tend to come out,,,, should be no more noticeable than the clips,,,,,

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

***** just be careful not to leave a 'blob' of solder on the inside of the rail as that could cause poor running/derailments. especially in N gauge

[@aplinewalker]

***** Ya good point,,,, I intended to have a practice on a couple of old second hand points just to see if the wire will lay flat ,,,, mind a spot of glue will keep it down ,,,, may need a finer tip for my soldering iron ,,,, Can I mention this video in my next ish upload,,,, I think its well presented and well explained for the newcomer,,,, its only 8 ,,,, 10 weeks ago that I found out about these power clips when Dave just mentioned them in passing ,,,,

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

***** That should work for you. If you pre tinned the rail & wire ends and use plenty of flux you should be ok. yea, of course you can. If you think it will be of use/interest to your subscribers.

[@captainmikie3499]

gee, that is an American expression... I could actually have seen the work you did if it were done from overhead instead of at a distance. The fact we speak different languages also complicated my understanding. (not your problem). I understand you did this quickly, but being new to the model railroad hobby, I lost all comprehension due to parlance, nomenclature and presumption of understanding.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Mike Clark there are others who have also explained the method shown here to improve electrical continuity and simple wiring. as I showed at the start of the video, points come with instructions on how to wire them in. As a beginner to the hobby I'd suggest you start simple, ask questions and read all instructions provided.