Iʻm going with the electrofrogs. I bought 2 #6 Peco 83s (one left, one right). I do have 12 3ʻ flex tracks now and have a test track for testing and programing.
I have purchase from Tonyʻs Trains and Amazon and looking at Model Train Stuff. Got mt engins from ScaleTrains and Brodway Limited.
I will probably be ready to buy all the lumber later this month to start benchwork.
Understand the frustration but it will all work out. BTW, did you decide on Electrofrog code 83 vs. Insulfrog?
I have found it useful to often order supplies before I need them. On my 2012 layout, once I decided on a track plan, I had planned to order my track at Walthers winter sale prices. At that point, I had plenty to do to design and build my 5' x 10' benchwork, purchase my DCC system, set up a 3' test track and build my electronics shelf, etc. I also did a trial turnout, DPDT, Tortoise setup so I could do the turnouts successfully on the layout. So I was ok waiting for the track itself. Similarly, once I got into buying DC locos to convert to DCC, I similarly stocked up on needed parts.
Specifically, I imagine you can find much of what you need for track/turnouts unless there is a widespread problem (ala Atlas a few year back). But you will likely need to utilize several sources as one source may not have all your needs. Check Model Train Stuff, EBay, Amazon, and other train specialists and you can likely find most items. Of course, shipping costs factor in.
It will take time to build the whole layout, so perhaps consider getting started with some temporary arrangements if needed. The early practice (don't know your prior experience) is important in ensuring good track laying technique that will minimize problems and corrections.
Good luck with the procurement process.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
And I thought turnouts were a problem. Now it seems I canʻt get any Peco track delivered. Last order from Tonyʻs Trains all track was defective. The replacement on those tracks were also defective. (Defective: the ties were detached from the rails in the exact point in each track, both shipments). So I try another supplier and that shipment has now gone missing in the FedEx system.
So I guess I have to find a local dealer who carries Peco 36" code 83 flex track within a 100 mile radius. Nearest hobby shop that carries anything HO is an hour away.
Frustrated?
Thanks Rich and everybody. I did find an excellent video on two ways of wiring the Peco Electrofrog.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVnfs3yTUFM&list=FLHjWrO_0TJ6fK9jGy8FpeWQ&index=3&t=0s
kenben Iʻm designing my first DCC HO layout and trying to get my head wrapped around wiring Peco turnouts. Do I need the insulfrog or electrofrogs? Pros/cons? Iʻll be using Tortoise motors on this NCE layout.
Iʻm designing my first DCC HO layout and trying to get my head wrapped around wiring Peco turnouts. Do I need the insulfrog or electrofrogs? Pros/cons? Iʻll be using Tortoise motors on this NCE layout.
At one time, I used Tortoise-powered Atlas turnouts on my layout, but when I built my new layout, I sold off the Tortoises and the Atlas turnouts and replaced them with spring loaded Peco turnouts. Using Tortoises to power Peco turnouts is an expensive proposition.
In trying to decide between the Peco Insulfrog and the Peco Electrofrog, both are power routing turnouts, and this can lead to some complications when installing Peco turnouts on your layout. On a power routing turnout, the point rails receive their power from the stock rails.
The wiring is simpler on the Insulfrog, but the frog is plastic and cannot be powered. A Peco Insulfrog should be wired on all three ends of the turnout. So, you need three pairs of feeders to ensure that the Insulfrog turnout is fully powered.
The Electrofrog has a powered metal frog, but the wiring is more involved. Because the Electrofrog has a powered frog, the power routing feature results in the two inner frog rails having mismatched polarities with their adjacent sections of track, depending upon which way the point rails are thrown.
To avoid dead shorts on an Electrofrog, the two inner frog rails must be gapped where those rails connect to the rails of the adjoining sections of track. A pair of feeders should be installed on the tail end of an Electrofrog, and the adjacent sections of track on the other two ends of an Electrofrog should also each have a pair of feeders.
Do you need Insulfrogs or Electrofrogs? The answer mostly depends upon the type of motive power that will be running through the turnouts. If you do not plan to run short wheelbased locos through your turnouts, you may find it simpler to install Insulfrogs. The main advantage of the Electrofrog is the powered metal frog which is essential for short wheelbased locos.
Rich
Alton Junction
Diagram for, and from, a simple Bear
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Iʻm modeling in HO and using code 83.
In addition, many aspects are probably covered in some of the older related threads listed in a google search. I can't help as I did not explore PECOs carefully when I made my decision in 2012.
BTW, what scale, and what code rail are you leaning towards? And what type locos do you plan to run.
https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS759US759&ei=YLUiXbTFCoj0tAbc6pK4Ag&q=site%3Acs.trains.com+peco+electrofrog+vs+insulfrog&oq=site%3Acs.trains.com+peco+electrofrog+vs+insulfrog&gs_l=psy-ab.3...3615.3615..4881...0.0..0.95.95.1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.4Hdh7NMZZQI
And, can someone advise whether PECO is coming out with a new design?? I seem to recall that but not at all sure. Maybe this info...
https://dccwiki.com/PECO_Unifrog
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/276714.aspx
A few details.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches_peco.htm
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