Thanks, all.
I decided to stick with the Insulfrog crossing, and I was able to find one on eBay.
Rich
Alton Junction
I bought two Peco code 75 Electrofrog crossings (12 and 24 degree) and elected not to use them after studying the paperwork, which I'm looking at now. Using one as intended requires one DPDT switch if both routes use the same power source, or two switches if there are two power sources. So you would either have to throw one or more switches for the desired route every time, or possibly use something like Frog Juicers.
If the code 83 crossings are made like these, it does not look like you could just leave the frogs unhooked, as the rail area powered with the frog is way too long. My paperwork doesn't describe the mod described by "pick", but I believe you would be better off not to get Electrofrogs if you don't want to be bothered with the switches. I've been using the Insulfrog 24 degree version for years with no problem, so I'd wait for them to be available. IMHO.
Hal
Hi Rich,
Electrofrogs on diamond crossing are no problem, if it's to a dead end spur on the other side.
If it's to a facing point like on a crossover to a 3rd track, stick in a pair of insul-fichplates in at the frog on that point and feed from the blade end on that track, as per Peco paperwork (I hate reading them things)
Be in touch.
pick.
The electrofrog for a crossing would be so short wheelbase locomotives don't stall going through it. As long as you don't add feeder wires to the frog, it should be the same as an Insulfrog.
I understand the use of electrofrogs on turnouts for power routing, but why would you use an electrofrog on a crossing?
If I didn't need the electrofrog setup on a crossing, could I still use an electrofrog crossing on my layout?
I ask this because I need an insulfrog crossing and that item is currently unavailable at my LHS, but it does have an electrofrog crossing in stock.