point motors for dc

[UP6936]

Hi there,

I'm planning a new small layout, and want to install point motors this time. However, I'm confused about the whole thing. I have been looking at the peco range on ehattons, but I dont understand what does what. Could someone please advise me on what I need to buy and do? Preferably I would like to use peco motors, as they seem quite cheap and I will be be using their track.

[Dave]

Hi, what points are you planning to use, insulfrog or electrofrog? The point motor is a PL-10 and you will need a PL-9 mounting plate, if you are intending on electrofrog points you will need an auxiliary switch PL- 13

[UP6936]

The layout is going to be oo9, and the only points peco make for that scale is electrofrog.

Besides motors, is there any other way to move points without the 'hand of god' descending?

[Broithe]

Besides motors, is there any other way to move points without the 'hand of god' descending?

 

Remote mechanical operation is possible. I've done a few operated by rod and Bowden cables, where the angles are awkward. It's even possible to make pairs operate in unison, as shown by this rather poor picture of the underside. The points are operated by a pin going up through the baseboard.

 

[UP6936]

What sort of switch do I use? Also do the motors come with instructions on wiring to switches?

[Broithe]

I didn't need a switch as I was using insulfrog points and relied on the blades for switching.

 

This may help - http://www.greenwoodmodelrailway.co.uk/wiring-electrofrog-points.html

 

and this - http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/2443-Wiring-quot-Live-Frog-quot-points?highlight=points

[UP6936]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but what do you mean you didnt need a switch? I assumed this was how you chanhed point from the control panel?

[Broithe]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but what do you mean you didnt need a switch? I assumed this was how you chanhed point from the control panel?

 

Ah, I meant that I didn't need a switch at the point, to change-over the frog polarity, as I was using insulfrog points and the points themselves will sitch electrically themselves. If you use electrofrog points, as you are, then you'll need a switch to control the frog polarity. My points, as shown (badly) in the picture, were manually operated, by cables, from levers at the board edge.

 

It was intended as an answer to "Besides motors, is there any other way to move points without the 'hand of god' descending?"

[UP6936]

Ah, I see now! What actually is the difference between insulfrog and electrofrog? I am getting the hang of things now I think

[BosKonay]

Literally electro or live frog means the frog is metal and fully powered. Insul or dead frog is the opposite. The frog or a piece of it is unpowered all the time

[Broithe]

Ah, I see now! What actually is the difference between insulfrog and electrofrog? I am getting the hang of things now I think

 

Try this - http://www.brunelhobbies.com.au/PECO/pecoInsulElectrofrog.htm

[Dave]

Electrofrog is the best way to go, locos running at slow speed across the point won't stall. Hard wiring the frog will increase reliability as it won't be relying on the power being transferred from the side of the rail to the side of the blade. Dirt will build up between them and conductivity will be reduced.

[UP6936]

Right im getting this now. Thanks guys

[Broithe]

Electrofrog is the best way to go, locos running at slow speed across the point won't stall. Hard wiring the frog will increase reliability as it won't be relying on the power being transferred from the side of the rail to the side of the blade. Dirt will build up between them and conductivity will be reduced.

 

Definitely - and they look better, too.

[Dave]

Right im getting this now. Thanks guys

 

No worries