I know, I know, I know! There have been a squillion threads about this but I'm now laying track on my new HO layout and I want to make REALLY sure.
I'm using Peco code 83 flexitrack HO and Peco code 83 HO switches. I am totally DCC with NCE, and will have Tortoise switch motors that will changed using my NEC hand held and NEC Switch 8 or similar. OK...... Insulated switches (Insulfrog in Peco terminology) to powered switches (Electrofrog)?
I am convinced the choice is insulated (and I know I can cut the wiring under the electrofrog if necessary.) Before I buy...................
INSULATED (Insulfrog) or LIVE (electrofrog)?
Thanks as always!!!!
Barry
it makes no difference. it all depends on your loco wheel spacing and wheel electrical pick-up for live or dead frog. appearance is another factor. as long as the turnout is DCC ready for your senerio you will be just fine. i prefer live frog for electrical reliability. a quality turnout will make a huge difference in the overall performance of your layout. the higher cost is minimal with the results acquired.
it is important to determine if the turnout is power routing or not. this will determine your wiring lead requirements. the LHS 'should' let you handle and test the turnout to see if it meets your needs before the purchase.
Thanks Wazzy
I must admit I have always been for electrofrog (live routing) and used them on my DC layout. They are excellent and I have never had any problems with them.
I have Pennsy M1a's and big locos and F7's, F3's so travel over the switches is no problem with insulated frogs if I used them. The smallest I have are in the yards (lots of switches of course) and they are SW7's that still will handle insulfrogs.
In planning, I bought one of each switch size (and co-incidentally electrofrog) so I could photocopy them and place them out to confirm my plan. So I have a one off set of each size to start with.
Looks and quality? I think Peco code 83 are very good quality and they work! Yes, the electrofrog may be said to very slightly better looking but the aesthetic difference is minimal.
Thanks again!
All your engines have no problem to pass isolated frogs without problems and suddenly the cute and very short 45 tons switcher became available....
Don't take the risk. You don't know your rosters in 5 years. Electrofrogs are some kind of an assurance. Most time not needed but if...
Reinhard
Barry,
Obviously, if you've used live frogs on your DC layout then you already know the ins and outs (and additional work) of wiring them. It's a personal choice that's contingent on a number of things.
I am a recent convert to live frogs and, for me, the extra effort is worth it - both for appearance and operationally. Although I didn't have any problems with my larger locomotives on insulated frogs, I did on a few of my smaller switches - diesel and steam - so I moved from Atlas turnouts to Fast Track turnouts. Wow! What a difference!
Since I can buy the turnouts individually online, I can buy the few turnouts needed in the sizes that I need. And an already assembled, painted, and wired FT turnout wasn't much more than a Peco turnout. Knowing the turnouts will perform everytime without my locomotives stalling or hesitating is worth it - for me.
I will admit there has been a learning curve since this is all new to me. But, I've enjoyed the "education" of learning how to wire my layout for DCC, as well as installing the Caboose Industries 220S ground throws so that they work properly.
Barry, since you've already made up your mind which way you'll be going with your turnouts, I guess there's no further need for me to spout off things that you already know. I hope the new turnouts will work well for you...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi Tom
Just looked at your layout. What lights do you use? (For example at the end of the diesel fuelling facility.) They look good. And is the ash pit conveyor Walthers?
Cheers
I have a very similair layout with Peco and NCE. I have used insulfrog turnouts with very good success. I run mostly diesels, and have no trouble with them. Have also used tortise and wabbit for turnout control. Hope this helps.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff!