Electrofrog turnout...are they really worthed the extra complexity?

[Jacktal]

I know it's not the first question about the insulfrog/electrofrog choice and I also know that the electrofrog type require extra wiring precautions.Although I can handle the wiring and extra care,I'd like opinions from experienced modelers.A simple question...are they worthed the effort?

[simon1966]

I decided not. But here are the problems with Insulfrogs.

1. The plastic frog does not look prototypical, but then I am using code 100 which is not correct in the US anyway. After painting and ballast I am happy with the result.

2. If you have short wheelbase locos, or locos with minimal wheel power pickup you might have a stalling problem at the frog. My smallest loco is an Atlas s-2 switcher and it can crawl past the insuls with no problem.

Only you can decide if the extra effort of the electrofrog is worth it to you.

[rayport]

I thought you needed the extra contact of an electrofrog. Now I have both and know that I was wrong. Go with the Insulfrog they work just as well - at least with DCC.

[rrinker]

If your control system allows for extra contacts - ie, Tortoise or other switch machines with extra contacts), then it is a realtively simple matter to power the from of the Insulfrog turnout, thus gaining the powered frog benefit of the Electrofrog without the track wiring issues (gaps at the frog end, power feeers only from the point end, etc).

--Randy