Peco Insulfrog problem

[PMW]

I saw this video. Is this a common problem? Is this more a problem with his rolling stock than the turnout? What's your experience? Thanks

 

[Marlin39]

I had nothing, but electrical issues (DCC) with Peco switches. I switched to Walthers "DCC ready" switches and have had zero problems. I haven't needed any jumpers or special wiring, but they do have a tab for a frog juicer if needed.

 

[logandsawman]

You won't have this issue with their electrofrog turnouts cause there are insulated joiners just beyond the frog.

Their turnouts seem overly complicated but I don't wire them with switch machines and use DC locomotives so I can ignore the added wires.

I had problems with one turnout, turns out it wasn't perfectly flat due to my track work.

 

[Selector]

I have used Peco Insulfrog turnouts, their #6 Code 83, since the mid-2000's. They work well, but not 100%, and that is why they released a new 'unifrog' design about two years ago now, maybe three. I like the sprung-sided points, which work really well and reliably. Not sure their under-point wiper copper pads work all that well, but I have had very few problems with them.

The trick, for me, is to wire the turnouts from the points end...only...and then you'll get the power-routing capability if that is important, such as shutting off power to a siding where you want to park a DCC-equipped locomotive, but don't want it getting power. But, by only powering the points end, and not feeding the frog rails and stock rails beyond the frog, you sometimes run up against iffy points rail wiper problems where one or both points doesn't make good contact and you'll have spotty power onto the siding. If that happens, and the turnout is otherwise fine, working with the wheels okay, I just put a feeder on each rail beyond the frog.

 

[Iron Horseman]

I saw this video. Is this a common problem? Is this more a problem with his rolling stock than the turnout? What's your experience? Thanks

Good Grief a 3 minute blah blah blah video to explain a three second problem.

Yes, this is a known issue with the insulfrog turnouts and ONLY the insulfrog turnouts. The wider the tire width of the wheels the more pronounced the problem will be. The solution is to get some clear nail polish and "paint" it on that tiny 1/20th or less section where the tires can jump the insulated gap between the two departure rails. Personally I always preferred the electro frog turnouts anyway, despite their additional complexity of extra gaps and wiring.

 

[PMW]

Good Grief a 3 minute blah blah blah video to explain a three second problem.

Yes, this is a known issue with the insulfrog turnouts and ONLY the insulfrog turnouts. The wider the tire width of the wheels the more pronounced the problem will be. The solution is to get some clear nail polish and "paint" it on that tiny 1/20th or less section where the tires can jump the insulated gap between the two departure rails. Personally I always preferred the electro frog turnouts anyway, but for some reason some folks can't seem to understand the electrical nature of them.

I just asked a question, if your response is “yes” can you do without the condescension?

 

[Iron Horseman]

I just asked a question, if your response is “yes” can you do without the condescension?

Sorry, I can see how that is interpreted that way, but it was not intended to be condescension. It was a poorly worded way to point out why some folks don't like the electrofrogs, as they do require extra gaps and wiring. Have modified original post to prevent from offending someone else.

 

[PMW]

Sorry, I can see how that is interpreted that way, but it was not intended to be condescension. It was a poorly worded way to point out why some folks don't like the electrofrogs, as they do require extra gaps and wiring. Have modified original post to prevent from offending someone else.

Thank you for editing that post and for the clarification.