Quality of turnouts

[wickman]

Hi
I'm shopping around for new turnouts for my layout it is DCC run and I
would like to know which type of turnout is going to perform better
and look better a peco , walthers shinohara , or NMRA I already have
used the Atlas turnouts. My plan was doen in xtrkcad program and most
of the turnouts I used were peco and shinohara.
my layout is HO scale and I will be using tortoise switches on all of
them.
Which type of turnout would I get as well Insulfrog?
I would also like to find a good retailer with descent prices I need
quite a few of which ever type I decide to go with .
TY

 

[MasonJar]

The defacto standard for my local modular club has always been code100 Peco insulfrog. I don't think anyone have ever complained about them operationally, but there are differing opinions on appearance

I used Atlas snap switches for my first 4x8 layout. They have plastic frogs, and other than a few stalls (which were rectified by better pickups on the locos) they worked fine. I also had one Custom Line wye, and it was good too.

A friend uses MicroEngineering track and switches exclusively on his layout. The one electrofrog he had (I think it is ME) had to be rewired to work properly.

I plan to use the "new" (DCC-friendly) Code 83 Walthers/Shinohara turnouts on my new modules. I have heard favourable reviews from club members, and their appearance is great. I will modify them with either a throw bar spring or ground throw in order to keep them closed (normal or reverse as the case may be).

Hope that helps.

Andrew

 

[billwv]

See my reply to your post in DCC Forum.

I highly suggest you read the info at Loys--link in my other reply.

Bill

 

[RevnJeff]

I use nothing but Atlas CustomLine turnouts. With DCC, I have no problems operationally. Even with short wheelbase locomotives, I dont have any troubles.

I use a small spring to hold the points so I can throw the turnouts manually.