I am about to lay my track in the area that will ultimately be a hidden area. The plan calls for 2 turnouts in the area. What would be the most trouble-free installation (spelled - avoid crawling under the layout)? Best brand? Manual with remote push-pull lever and cable vs. remote electric ? While cost might play a part in the final decision, please offer all suggestions regardless of cost. Your inpout will be greatly appreciated!:angel:
As for the turnout, your most bulletproof choice is Peco C80 insulfrog. Actuationg? I'll leave that to the experts.
Unless you're using DCC, where shorting might be a problem, I'd recommend the PECO Electrofrog, using the PECO switch motor. Code 80 or Code 55 is your choice. :cat:
I think the most bullet proof switch ever is the Kato Unitrack switch. But it all depends on what you'll be using it with. Unitrack has plastic roadbed so it might be about the same height as your track on cork. Also Kato switches come with built in switch motors. But they are C80 as far as rail height is concerned.
I am a big Peco insulfrog fan, just installed 12 switches on my layout with the PL10 Peco motors, no trouble at all, they work very well.
The most reliable turnouts are the Unitack # 6 turnouts and the Unitrack double crossover. They can be integrated with any code 80 rail easily and provide flawless operation. Stay cool and run steam.....
Unitrack all the way, I run my highspeed train over them on highspeed with no problem 100% of the time. However, this being said the best action is prevention. Avoid any turnouts, curves, and crossovers at hard to reach places.
Great advice - but when you are working in 4x8 and want some operational fun, hidden track is inevitable. That's why I'm concerned with getting the best so the aggravations will be at a minimum
Great answers!! Thanks all for the quick responses. It appears that Peco or Kato Unitrack will be the choice . I have a Kato double x-over. I am so impresssed with it, I was leaning that way. But, the Peco configuration variety may fit my layout design needs better. I'll make a decision after a little more time at thedrawing board. :angel:
How would you fellas rate the Atlas code 55 switches? I have 10 #5's coming for a small switching layout.
except for two curved Shinohara turnouts, all the turnouts on my layout are Atlas C55. No problems at all. Just make sure to use lo-pro wheelsets or they'll bottom out on the frogs. Ray
I put all my staging on visible spurs on my layout. I like to look at my trains instead of hiding them.
I've got a couple no. 6 Shinohara's in code 70 - they work OK, but they look terrible (tie size and spacing). I believe I got them from 1st Place Hobbies (?). I ended up with them because they substituted those for some Micro Engineering turnouts that were out of stock.
from that certain auction site You can get it new from Scalelink in the UK, I think. http://tinyurl.com/ouyfr
Be careful using Atlas code 55 #5's as I have had problems with clearances with the guard rails. I use all #7's exclusively and I am using them in building my new layout in my hidden staging areas with tortoises controlled by digitrax, dcc. Frogs get selectively powered but I have also taken the extra steps of customizing the switches by adding jumpers in case (or when) the contact strips fail. I am doing this with all my switches to avoid or minimize any problems and it only takes a couple minutes a switch to do. Brian
While I was laying my track I used Peco Switches, I did ask the local model RR supplier if it would be OK to mix Peco and Atlas, he warned me off Atlas and pointed to a section of the frog that causes derailments, I am not an expert on these things and look for guidence, his suggestion that I continue laying Peco paid off, everything is working A1.
