turnout selection for dcc

[mmr1229]

just finished my track plans for my first ho layout. working on a material list for my track work. just would like to have some suggestions on a good turnout that i could use. this is my fifth layout so i have some expierance on track work but never in ho, just n scale. i've decided to use all #6 turnouts and a few #8's, i also would like to have all my frogs powered. code 83 seems to be the most popular so i think i will stick with that. also for clarification when a turnout is listed as "insulfrog", does that mean the frog can't be powerd at all, or is it  the only part of the turnout that can change polarity (via auxillary contacts).

[locoi1sa]

  If you search the forums for Insulfrog you will get lots of threads on the subject. Just a clarification. The insulated frog part is so small that if you have more then one axle picking up power there would be no interruption at all. My modular group uses code 100 insulfrog Pecos as a standard and have no problems with electrical pickups.

      Pete

[selector]

In no particular order, Micro Engineering, Peco, and Atlas, for three, are making turnouts of the type you seek....at least I think all three have powered frog turnouts.   As for a recommendation, I only have experience with hand laid turnouts and with the Peco Streamline Code 83 #6 insulated frog turnouts.   They are both wonderful.  Pecos are quite costly, but I think they are worth it.  Take care of them and they should last a while, maybe for life.

Crandell

[Texas Zepher]

mmr1229

I also would like to have all my frogs powered. ... also for clarification when a turnout is listed as "insulfrog", does that mean the frog can't be powerd at all, or is it  the only part of the turnout that can change polarity (via auxillary contacts).

As far as I know Peco is the only brand that uses the term "insulfrog".   That term is vs their own "electrofrog" turnouts.  Peco "insulfrog" frogs are plastic and cannot be powered.  Peco's electrofrog turnouts are powered with the points and so they change when the turnout direction is selected.

This is in contrast to say the Atlas Custom Line Mark III.  These have a metal frog that is normally dead.  It can be powered but it takes an additional wire and some extra contacts or circuitry to change its polarity with the points.

[hon30critter]

mmr1229

You might want to check out this web page (actually the whole site is interesting)

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

Dave