I am seriously thinking about using Micro Engineering HO code 70 #6 turnouts for the new layout. I would like opinions about degree of DCC friendliness, wiring complications, reliability, possible flaws. They apparently look great but there is no ME website so it is hard to know. I wish they made more than a #6. - Nevin
I used ME code 70 #6 turnouts exclusively in my small switching layout. They do have a much better appearance than the Shinohara Code 70 and are DCC friendly as you stated. They are not easily set up to attach a power feeder to the frog, but I overcame that by drilling and tapping the underside of the frog for a 00-90 brass screw and soldering a wire to it before putting it in.
The one fault that is apparent when running on them is that the new cast frogs in the DCC friendly version are not well lined up in height with the closure rails. There is distinct bumping when a car or locomotive goes over them. With your finger you can feel that the frog sits higher than the rails. Doesn’t cause any derailments, it is just a bit distracting and not aesthetically pleasing if you expect your trains to glide through turnouts…
A secondary issue is that they don’t offer #8s or any other variety, which does make it hard to standardize on ME turnouts.
Would I use them on my next layout? I honestly haven’t decided yet.
Regards,
Mike
Has anyone compared the ME turnouts to the new Peco code 83’s? Walthers has then on sale right now. - Nevin