DCC friendly turnouts

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am in the process of laying Peco code 55 flex track and “electrofrog” turnouts. I have made the necessary rail gaps to avoid the “dead shorts” in the system. I am not finished, but every section and turnout that I place, I try with power (I connect power to each 3’ section) and see if the trains run and if I have any shorts.

Now, my question is: I am going to convert to DCC when I have the track laid and the shorts taken care of. What does it mean for a turnout to be “DCC friendly?”

I appreciate any help in this area.

Thanks

Joe

2

Some turnouts permit momentary shorts either when they are being thrown, or as a result of metal wheels causing a short at the frog as they pass thru. DC systems are not really impacted by this, but a DCC system would shut down. DCC friendly out of the box, would imply that these problems do not occur. It sounds like you have taken the steps to make yours DCC friendly.

3

Thanks Tony. I do appreciate your comments. I was afraid I was going to have to modify the turnouts in some way different than they already were.

Joe

4

insulfrog turnouts would save you the trouble of gaping the turnouts.

5

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

The above link will tell you all you really need to know. This is from one of the most helpful web sites on the net. I use insulforg Peco’s with no problem.

6

Thanks for the connection TROY (I am sorry for the fubar). This helps a lot. It seems very complicated, but when I study the pictures, I can see what needs to be done. I am not quite sure why this has to be done though. I was under the impression that I could install these turnouts as they come out of the box.

Thanks again Troy.

Joe

7

No prob Joe, its Simon from Troy, not Troy by the way. As I mentioned above, I used the insulfrog version of the PECO as they are very easy to drop in, however, I know several freinds who swear by the the electrofrog, and point out that they may be more work, but offer much better performance for short wheel base slow moving switcher in a yard setting as there is never any dead spot at the frog.

8

I am so sorry Simon. I am so excited about getting help on this that I am not looking carefully at who is replying to me. And…I did it twice. [B)]

I really do appreciate your help. I am still pouring over the file you directed me to.

Joe

9

Troy is better than some other names I get called periodically! Of course I should now slip into my Simon Cowell impersonation and throw out some insulting remark about the quality of the postings around here[:o)]