Who makes the best turnouts?

I'm planning on building a small switching layout, and was wondering which brand of turnouts I should use. My main requirement is operational reliability (no derailments). It doesn't matter to me if they have insulated frogs or not, and I only need #4's, and #6's. Atlas is the cheapest, but some say they are not of the highest quality. Please post your recommendations, and experiences. Thank you.

 

Boy did you ask a loaded question Insulated vs. non-insulated makes a big difference if you ever think of going over to DCC. I use Atlas turn-outs without major problem. I only have some problems with power going to the points. (You may have some problems with a small four-axle unit.) All this requires is the use of a small jumper wire, that stays with the correct polarity. What I do is solder a small wire into the rivet where the points swing, then run the wire under the track to the outside track with the same polarity. (Just look and see where the point hits the rail.) This should take care of your power problems on Atlas turnouts.

Just another note, you may want to get some Caboose Industries' hand throws. These will hold the points right against the rails.

[ 06 November 2001: Message edited by: ajy6b ]</p>

 

You do! With a little practice! Seriously, it is really easy and talk about cheap. And they will outperform any commercial turnout. There have been several how to articles, the one I prefer was by Tony Koester in MR some years ago. (5 or 6) Good luck if you try it.

Gary

 

Tony's article is reprinted in the Kalmbach Trackwork book if you plan to build your own. I am planning to tackle scratchbuilding turnouts in my next layout (also a small swithcing layout)

Anway - IMO Peco's are the most reliable and the electrofrog ones are easy to make DCC friendly.

They are not the best looking TOs out there, but they work and are both durable and reliable. The Modular group I am in uses them exclusivly.

 

The best is home rolled hands down. The price is right and when you get it down, fast. The best commerical is Railway Engineering.

 

I have to say that pre-fab turnouts for the best ones would be Peco or Signora (I believe thats how its spelled)

 

Well, close on the spelling. Don't feel bad. I had to look it up . It is Shinohara and prononced just like it is spelled

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 7600EM_1:
Signora (I believe thats how its spelled) <hr></blockquote>

 

Jim,
I'm glad someone can spell! HA! And also knew what I was trying to say! I didn't have any empty packages from my turnouts to look at so... But yes Shinohara is the one I was looking for to get the message across!

 

Shinorha makes pretty nice looking turn-outs. If you do plan to go DCC, you may have some problems to work-out. If you want more information on turnouts and other DCC related stuff go to the url below


http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

 

No need for me to worry about problems with the Shinohara turnouts for DCC I'm running the conventional cab control. I like it better it takes to much upgrading on older loco's for DCC. Older generation loco's come with 3 pole armetures in them.. And DCC has to almost have 5 pole armetures for sake of overloading the 3 pole motors.... 5 pole handles the power of DCC alot better and smoother then 3 pole anyday so. I got way to many to change if I'd go to DCC. So cab control I'll stay!

 

So who has the best deals on Shinohara and Peco turnouts? I couldn't locate anything on the web about the Railway Engineering turnouts.

 

<font size="4">


Railway Engineering


</font>

 

Thanks for the info, Jim! Great website! (Railway Engineering). Everyone should visit that website. Lot's of great information. Thanks again! Pete

 

.

 

I did not see a response on Pete's question about where the best prices were for Shinohara and Peco.About the best I have seen on Shino code 83 is National Hobby Supply. Other places like Internet Trains will honor and Dave's Train of Connecticutt are pretty good. For a #4 or 6 we are talking $9.95.

 

Thanks Tigerman! Pete

 

One final question...Since Shinohara makes the turnouts for Walthers, are the Walthers and Shinohara turnouts identical? Thanks, Pete

 

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Pete:
Thanks for the info, Jim! Great website! (Railway Engineering). Everyone should visit that website. Lot's of great information. Thanks again! Pete<hr></blockquote>

Great turnouts, BUT you have to wait 6-8 or 12 weeks for them. I waited so long that I learned to make my own. If you get a chance to see a layout with handlaid track and turnouts its hard to buy commercial. I"m running DCC and started with Micro Engineering power routed turnouts. Worked good. Now that I'm handlaying I'm making them all DCC friendly. Allan Gartner's page on turnouts is worth a look see.

www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

BK Enterprises is a another good turnout.

www.troutcreekeng.com/