"You show me a man with both feet on the ground and I'll show you a man who can't get his pants on." -anonymous
- Mark
QUOTE: Originally posted by jkroft I'm currently laying Peco code 55 electrofrogs, so I can be of some help. First off, look at wiringfordcc.com to learn the tricks of wiring turnouts. Peco makes an excellent turnout. The only thing that really needs to be done is placing insulated rail joiners at the end of the frog rails. That's it. On this web site though, there is info on "modifying" the TO for dcc, but this is only necessary if you want to solder jumpers and such for improving the electrical conductivity of the entire TO. It is not necessary for dcc compatibility,.....it's dcc friendly right out of the box. Peco actually has a large wiper for the points and the spring in the throwbar holds the point to the stock rail tightly. These two work together to make good conductivity. Over the years, though, dirt and dust may build up and reduce conductivity. This is why some people choose to improve conductivity via methods from wiringfordcc.com. Second, Peco makes a wide clearance between the point and stock rails (consult the web site for any terms you may not know). This clearance is a possible place for a short to occur from metal wheels bridging the gap. Some TOs have a narrow clearance (like Micro-engineering) and will need modification. Peco does not. The spring to which I refer is basically what makes the TO "snap" back and forth. This spring is made for use with twin coil switch machines and must be removed if using a motor machine like a Tortise of Switchmaster. These are just some things to consider. I agree that Micro-engineering has the best looking track and TOs, yet they only make #6s, need to be modified, and are more expensive than most. Atlas 55 has the wheel flange clearance problem but has a wide selection. I personally chose the Peco 55 for the selection, excellent quality and decent price and I am not at all disappointed.
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