I’m building a layout that requires small/medium curved turnouts (22/18 plus/minus) Peco has very limited range on curved turnouts, but they’re insulated for DCC, where Shinohara frogs aren’t insulated. Any suggestions? I certainly don’t want to deal with shorts, etc.
Thanks
Are you running on DCC? I have been useing Shinohara code 100 turnouts with "live"frogs and have never had a problem
Powered frogs are good for very slow running or switching layouts, where they can prevent a loco without all-wheel pickup from stalling on the frog. For mainline use or for loco’s with good pickup, insulated are fine. The HO modular club I belonged to in Houston (APNMRRC) used Peco Insul-frogs exclusively for years without any problems.
To use powered frogs, just make sure that the power to the track is fed from the points side, and insulated from the other.
The newer code 83 Shinohara / Walthers turnouts are insulated exactly like Peco and Atlas turnouts, and no longer require insulated rail joiners. I don’t know if their code 100 have been redesigned, but if advertised as “DCC friendly” they probably have been.
I am not certain I understand the question. Do you not want to use the Pecos? I thought they were pretty good, and very close to the size you need (I think the inside is 17.75" radius).
I buy up every Atlas 22"/18" curved turnout I find, so I have them when I want.
I’m very happy with my Peco curved turnouts, too. I run DCC, and have no problems with them.
If you use the Peco twin-coil switch machines with them, I’d strongly advise a capacitive discharge system. CD systems are good for all twin-coil machines, but in my experience the Peco switch machines really need them, whereas Atlas switch machines work OK on straight AC or DC.
i have stumbled onto this problem and need answers on how to get around the short. where do you find the Atlas curved turn outs? i have just started to get onto the forum and sure finding out a lot of answers from you folks. thanks
About 2 years ago I found that Atlas did’nt offer any curved turnouts. Things might have changed since then but at that time I had to buy Walthers or Peco. A little pricey at $20.00+ but were good quality.
Swap meets, e-bay, and really old hobby stores that have 20 year old stock sitting on the shelves.
I’ve been using the Walthers/Shinohara code 83 curved turnouts (DCC friendly version) on my new layout and they work great. I’ve currently installed 3 with no problems and plan to install 3 more. The only problem is finding them in stock anywhere…
These folks claim to have three in stock as of today, and can get more, they assure me, in 3-5 days.
Check out this site and try the TwistTies to hand lay your own turnouts.