Can anyone explain to me (i) the difference between Peco’s insulfrog and electrofrog turnouts and (ii) which of the two I should use with DCC?
Thanks
Malcolm Horsnell
I just finished laying track on my new layout, I used only Peco insulfrog turnouts. My layout is DCC, I needed no special wiring. The insulfrog turnouts are great. I highly recommend them.
The Insulfrog has a plastic insulated frog. The electrofrog has a metal frog that has to be powered. Both can be used for DCC, though the Insul will be a bit easier to install. See http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches_peco.htm
I chose insulfrogs and they work well for me, but you may want to consider electro’s if you have short wheelbase locos, that might stall on the insulated frog.
By the way, welcome to the forum, this is a great place to get excellent information. Try using the search feature, as you will quickly unearth much valuable information.
Where is the best place to buy Peco turnouts? I have Atlas code 83 turnouts and have has trouble with a couple of them. On my next layout I want to use either Peco or the Atlas custom turnouts.
You are probably aware that PECO has come out with a code 83 track system based on US prototype. They are quite expensive, a fact not helped by the fact that they are made in England and the US $ is so weak right now. I used code 100 and shopped e-bay as well as several on-line stores, but ended up getting most from my LHS, who was very aggressive on pricing to get my business.
Thank you everyone. That was very helpful.
Cheers, Malcolm Horsnell
Simon, the code 83 Peco turnouts are expensive. I may go with the Atlas custom turnouts for about 1/2 the cost. They may not be as good as Peco’s but I read where they are much better than the cheap Atas turnouts.
Simon, I recently went with Peco Code 83 insulfrog turnouts for my new layout. They really work well and with the turnout out points being spring loaded, they stay put in the direction their thrown so you do not have to model the switch thow if you don’t want to.
Prior to this I have always used Atlas Code 83 insulfrog turnouts.
Also ,the new Peco Code 83 flex track is excellent. Both rails slide, but there is enough tension in the track that you can curve it and it stays in the shape that you desire… It doesn’t spring back like Atlas flex track.
If i were starting completely from scratch, I would most likely go with the Peco 83, but since i own several older British loco’s with bigger flanges, the code 100 works best for me.
I am just starting my layout design, so you guys have sold me on Peco code 83 insulfrogs…I am using DCC also, so this is good news.