Okay, so you're using #10's... Right off you're going to be challenging the 4 axle engine because the frog is long enough that the entire truck is going to be on the dead bit. That said, if both trucks are clean and making solid pick up, you should still be able to glide through relying on the truck that's not on the frog. However, this is contingent on the points making solid contact, and the bridge rail between the point pivot and the frog being in full contact.
There are bridge contacts embedded in the ties that connect the main stock rails to this section, but it's only a friction contact. When you flow the glue into the ballast, it's possible that some of it will wick into the contact surface, as well as into the point hinges, reducing the flow of electricity, or even breaking the flow at those critical locations. The dead frog only compounds this problem.
So, again, before you start tearing things up, check the following:
Thoroughly clean your locomotive trucks, including the wheel surfaces, the contact axle points, and the bronze cups that the points ride in. Make sure both trucks are getting full pick up to the motor.
Take a 12 v. light, or a locomotive light board if you have one laying around, and solder contact points to it so it can contact the rails. Use this to check for a complete circuit between the stock rail and the diverging rails at every part of the turnout. Start with the stock rails, then check the points, then the bridge rail, then the diverging rails past the frog.
This will ensure that power is getting everywhere it's supposed to go.
These two procedures will help you narrow down where the problem is. It may be that there's nothing wrong with the turnout, and it's the loco that's dirty.
To power the frog, just get a small SPDT slide switch, and you can use that both to throw the switch and to power the frog.
A simple piano wire linkage is all you need.
Lee
