Bill Lane et al --
You need to decide whether you want "simple" or "reliable." Most people with
modules repeatedly assemble and disassemble them for transport to/from shows.
By simply relying on rail-to-rail contact for electrical transmission, you are
just asking for trouble. Every time you set up and break down your modular
setup you are jarring things and attracting dirt.
Using DCC compounds the potential problems. You need a reliable 5 or 10 amps
available everywhere at 14 volts. Voltage drop through weak electrical
contacts (e.g., rail-to-rail) will impact DCC reliability.
Given that you have not yet laid any track, I would go with Ed Kozlowsky's
solution -- isolate the frogs, ground your closure rails to their adjacent
stock rails, and leave your frogs dead. You shouldn't have any problem with
this arrangement with turnout numbers 8 and smaller. (Longer frogs may exceed
the length of your pickup wheelbase.) You will want to epoxy your frogs in
place in addition to spiking. And if you do find you have a problem with locos
stalling on a non-powered frog, you can always install a Caboose Hobbies ground
throw with spdt contacts.
Dick Karnes
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