Jeff and Jason

There are 3 other similar S curves in the runround loop at the top. Since these are apparently not giving trouble I would concentrate attention on the switch in question.

Eric UK

Jason

Presume that your trouble is when you back onto the spur. Look through previous posts or search for "derailments". You will find suggestions as to cause and possible cures.

Eric UK

Jestor,

The fact that the decoder has 2 functions has nothing to do with its dual mode capability. It does give an indication of just how basic that decoder is. These 2 functions are usually used to  give seperate control of Head and Backup lights. A decoder with more functions can control a Cab light and 'flickering'Firebox light on a steamer or such as Ditch lights on a diesel.
A sound decoder has many more functions to individually control the various sounds available on that decoder. Whether your DCC system is capable of controlling all those functions is another matter.

Eric UK

Jim,

Can suggest an even better base for a traverser but probably too big for Ray.
Remove the casing of a Scanner and replace the reading dodads on the traversing arm with a top deck. I stripped down a defunct one but only kept the gears and toothed belt (silly me) for possible use as a TT drive. The motor may need replacing as I haven't sorted out the connections or power needed but this should be fairly easy.
Remember that the carriage is longer than and travels the width of an A4 page (or letter page in the US).



The bits I kept. The belt is fixed to the carriage with a spring wire clip.
Should pick up an old scanner cheap.

Eric UK

Ray

I commend your efforts to get folks building layouts but must contradict you about the Peco 3 ways.  Peco Streamline code 100 HO/OO #SL-99.



Could have saved yourself some hassle.

Eric UK

NM
No picture on the link but price seems about right.

Eric UK

Ray said "I tend to use Electrofrog turnouts because I usually run smaller wheelbase locomotives."
The largest insulated frog section that I have found on the Peco Insulfrog Setrack and Streamline small turnouts,slips and 3-way measures under 1". I do not have a medium or large turnout but, having looked at them on a site where they are shown against a ruler,their insulated section appears to be no larger. The smallest wheelbases I have found are on the Porter 0-4-0 and the Forney---both are 1 & 3/16". This would suggest that if you have trouble with a small wheelbase loco the trouble most probably lies with the loco pickups (or dirty wheels) not the turnout.
If you are thinking of using Peco track, get one turnout with some lengths of Flexitrack and lay down a temp.setup to test your small locos before you decide which way to go (Insul versus Electro). Peco Setrack turnouts are ideal for mini layouts.

Eric UK
 

Ray,

You say   quote-I do not recommend the use of Peco Electrofrog components in a complex arrangement of trackage - unless you are familiar with wiring. Peco Insulfrog turnouts etc. work well in almost any situation and require much less electrical know-how.-unquote.
So why are you using Electrofrog?
I use Insulfrog turnouts,3way and dble.slip on DCC. Not only easier but cheaper too.



The red circled turnout is a Peco Streamline short - all other single turnouts are Peco Setrack. Curves are Setrack 3rd.radius (<20").
The only switches used are SPST on the 2 loco standing tracks off Peco TT.
I am in On30 and run Moguls, a BLI C-16 and smaller locos ,but have run a Bachmann HO Lt.Mountain 4-8-2 over all the layout with no trouble.

Eric UK

NM,

One manufacturer makes(made ?) an HO gon with a simple "chug" unit(noise generator) concealed in large packing cases. It works off wipers on one axle so that it varies with speed and is powered by a PP3 battery. I bought one some years ago (forget the name of maker) and adapted the unit to fit into an altered Mogul tender.
It has an on/off switch for when loco is not running and now uses a rechargeable PP3.
Sorry that I can't be specific as to source.

Eric UK

What DCC controller are you using and how many locos will you actually be running at the same time?

Eric UK

Second posted link works but be careful if you are thinking of buying.  It is a Dynamis HANDSET being offered not the system.

Eric UK

I have 5 scratchbuilt Large scale gas fired locos which run 35-45 minutes on one gas fill.
Have no experience of the Hornby OO scale model but judging by the numder of years it has been in production, it must be reasonably efficient. Rather different to their 3 1/2" gauge model of the "Rocket"which was almost useless.

Eric UK

Second thoughts.  If the top sidings are made parallel to main tracks, the whole of the trackage can be 'lifted' which would provide several extra inches to the length of the sidings at either bottom end. If the TT is then moved closer to the main tracks and the storage tracks off it are rearranged, the whole of top section can be narrowed to close on two feet.

Eric UK

The RH half of the top section can be reduced in width by up to a foot.

Eric UK

Cooped,

You didn't say how big your layout will be. I have a small 2 section portable layout with the track power circuit connected to short pieces of brass studding sticking out of one side. Power can be supplied from either a DC or an EZ DCC controller whose o/p leads are terminated with miniature crocodile clips. Just connect the one that suits the locos I wish to run at the time.
For non-sound DCC, TCS supply some of the cheapest decoders on the market, plus most of their N scale versions have high enough current ratings for use on HO (and On30) locos.

Eric UK