Peco Insulfrog vs Electrofrog Turnouts

[Anonymous]

I am a novice-intermediate modeler building my second N-scale layout for first- and second-generation diesels, with conventional cab control. I would appreciate any comments on the advantages and disadvanges of the above two types of turnouts, both in initial construction and ongoing operation. I have no current plans for DCC but haven't ruled it out down the road. Thanks!

[denny99]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 100code

I am a novice-intermediate modeler building my second N-scale layout for first- and second-generation diesels, with conventional cab control. I would appreciate any comments on the advantages and disadvanges of the above two types of turnouts, both in initial construction and ongoing operation. I have no current plans for DCC but haven't ruled it out down the road. Thanks!

electrofrog pros:
the turnout points supply current to metal frog (not plastic like insulfrog), you can run almost any engine on it and you won't see it stall. electrofrog turnouts are more reliable if you plan to do some switching at low speed.

electrofrog cons:
you have to gap the turnout as indicated in the instruction and do a little extra wiring.


insulfrog pros:
they don't require any extra-wiring

insulfrog cons:
some engines may stall on the plastic frog.

my advice is go for electrofrog
just my 2 cents.
Denny

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comments - does the electrofrog advice change if I were to go to DCC?

[Pennsy58]

Try going to this page at Loystoys. They posted alot of information regarding insufrog vs elctrofrog and DCC.
http://www.loystoys.com/peco/index.html

[denny99]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 100code

Thanks for the comments - does the electrofrog advice change if I were to go to DCC?

I use electrofrog with DCC without complication.

[Anonymous]

100,

I am using both Electofrog (in my yard) and Insulfrog (main and all other sidings) on my layout.

I am, however, modeling in HO and I've noticed no difference with either turnout. Originally, I wired for block control, now, I've added DCC partially (main and all other sidings).

My opinion on Peco is very good. At least for HO. Unless you're up close, the appearance of the insulfrog is very realistic. My tractive power consists of a couple of GE 44 Ton Switchers and 1 SW9. No hesitations an any of the turnout frogs whatsoever.

I think for the difference in dollars over Atlas products, the visual appearance is worth the extra dollars.

Rey

[Anonymous]

I model mostly the steam era and I have both electrofrog and Insulfrogs and have found that of the two, I like the electrofrog the best mainly due to the small wheel base of several of the steam engines I use as switchers for the yard or for service tracks. On these tracks you don't have speed to help assist your engine across the dead spot on the Insulfrogs. On the main line of course I use larger engines with the larger wheel base and the faster speed don't seem to care.

[mls1621]

My neighbor has used Peko insulfrog turnouts on his N scale layout for many years without the stalling metioned in previous posts. Maybe he's just lucky, but they seem very dependable.

[denny99]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mls1621

My neighbor has used Peko insulfrog turnouts on his N scale layout for many years without the stalling metioned in previous posts. Maybe he's just lucky, but they seem very dependable.

if you run short engine (like I do) stalls can occur. the shortest the engine, the higher the risk of seing it stall on plastic frog.

[BR60103]

I have both types of Peco turnouts on my layout. I have also operated a DCC layout that used many types of turnouts. We found that a number of locos will short out on the electrofrog points when a metal wheel touches the stock rail and the open point. This usually means that the wheels are undergauge, but we also had it happen with some locos that were in gauge, but something was a problem with the one of the axles. On a DCC layout, the short shuts down your whole power block or layout.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine had this problem with an LGB layout once - it transpired after a little research and head-scratching that the loco wheel treads were slightly too wide, resulting in their contacting the joining rail (which is a different polarity) and causing a short. Worth a look if you're getting puzzling shorts on switches.