If you already have Langstroth equipment go with a Long hive instead and use foundationless frames.
Have entrances at each end.
It's then easy to do a split and make a Nuc. Just put in a divider/follower board. The other end becomes their entrance.
The only thing different with wintering a horizontal hive is to make sure the Broodnest it up one end of the hive before winter. That way they only have one way to move when eating stores.
I control swarming by Opening the Sides of the Broodnest. I also use supers with the Long hive.
You can still crush and strain the foundationless frames, or if they are older you can extract the comb if it's attached to the sides and bottom.
I feed with a zip lock plastic bag. Lay it in top of the frames and poke holes it just before you put on the lid.
If you still want to do Top bars you can still do it in this hive.
Here is one of my long hives without the cover on it:
Have entrances at each end.
It's then easy to do a split and make a Nuc. Just put in a divider/follower board. The other end becomes their entrance.
The only thing different with wintering a horizontal hive is to make sure the Broodnest it up one end of the hive before winter. That way they only have one way to move when eating stores.
I control swarming by Opening the Sides of the Broodnest. I also use supers with the Long hive.
You can still crush and strain the foundationless frames, or if they are older you can extract the comb if it's attached to the sides and bottom.
I feed with a zip lock plastic bag. Lay it in top of the frames and poke holes it just before you put on the lid.
If you still want to do Top bars you can still do it in this hive.
Here is one of my long hives without the cover on it: