I've recently purchased a Walthers 3 way turnout off ebay, it is not one of the newer "DCC Friendly" models. I want to incorporate it into my HO layout which is running DCC. I know that there are modifications that are generally needed for these, but not sure where to start, can anyone recomend the steps or a place to go for the research?
Jason
Modeling the fictional B&M Dowe, NH branch in the early 50's.
Jason,
I would also like to know if some one has done it. As I look at mine it appears we shouild be able to treat each turnout as a separate turnout. There are two frogs and the frogs need to be isolated.
I think the video by Joe Fugate (an excellent series of videos, ( http://model-trains-video.com ) shows that you can isolate the frogs with a Dremel cut off wheel, use safety glasses! You can power the frog for the correct direction or just leave it dead. Only short wheelbase switchers with single truck pickups, or steam engines with tender pickup for one pole only and drivers for the other will stall over this.
I hope someone in the forum can add their two cents who have actually done this.
Chris
This is a good site. He does NOT address the three way (except near the very bottom of the page) but the general information provided should be very useful.
I too believe that treating it as two single turnouts should do the trick. Just be careful about where to add feeders. Follow each rail visually to the next gap looking for shorts and dead spots.
The light bulbs btw are #1156 automotive bulbs.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net