Live frog conversion for Peco Setrack

Graeme Dunbar · August 30, 2020, 12:49

If there is going to be long wait I wonder if it would be worth trying a foil conversion even if only as a temporary one as "proof of concept" to see what if any improvement it makes? If successful but not a robust solution it might then be worth looking for something more permanent.

I see B&Q have copper tape (for use as slug deterrent). Hmm, my wife was wanting some slug deterrent for the tubs we've been growing salad crops in.

Robin Webster · August 30, 2020, 19:02

Well! My experiment of converting the MiniTrix switch / turnout to an electrofrog using basic hand tools failed. The only way around it is to cut out the plastic frog and scratch build a new one.
Robin.

B.Meldon · September 01, 2020, 12:18

When planning a layout, the 12-inch electrofrog and 9 inch set-track 009 points have the same exit angle, it is only that they are 38mm longer than the set-track points. (The Y is only 24mm longer.)
Because of this is should be easy to plan a layout using the 12-inch electrofrog points by just making it a few inches longer. You can still use the set-track curves, it is only the points that will be longer.
Because to the above I just do not see the problem, just plan the layout with the 12-inch electrofrog points and forget about using dead frogs.

If you are desprate for 9 inch points then use the 009 society sales (when it re-opens) and purchase second hand elecrofrog ones when they are on the stand!

Brian Meldon

Hobby · September 01, 2020, 14:23

Some people like small layouts, Brian, those extra inches would be too much... As for old electrofrog points on the secondhand stall you are joking, aren't you? I've seen more hens teeth on the stand than them!

Peter Boulter · September 01, 2020, 15:18

When I was planning my layout I thought about using 12" points, but quickly realised that there wasn't the space so I used the 9" ones.

B.Meldon · September 01, 2020, 15:19

Quote from: Hobby on September 01, 2020, 14:23
Some people like small layouts, Brian, those extra inches would be too much... As for old electrofrog points on the secondhand stall you are joking, aren't you? I've seen more hens teeth on the stand than them!

No, I am not joking, they do pop up quite often on the sales stand, I saw some sold at Swanley last year, there were none at Beccles this year, but it was not the full stock. They are often just in a box amongst other points or loose stuff, it is always worth having a rake through these boxes.
But I agree that there is probably one 9 inch electrofrog in every 30 other 009 points, so yes they quite unusual and not at all reliable in supply.

Hobby · September 01, 2020, 20:33

You must get them before I get there then! As I said I can't remember the last time I saw one and I've been asked enough times for them!

Ian McAulay · September 03, 2020, 18:02

I have to say I need those inches too. I've been mucking around with my layout design to see if I can squeeze 12" points in without much success. I think I'll be reaching for the soldering iron.

Ian

Hobby · September 04, 2020, 08:31

Ian, someone on the NGRM Forum has got some and will be telling us about them when he fits them, he also found some more photos of how they were fitted. Might be worth you having a look over there (note that you need to join to view, it's a private forum like this one).

Ian McAulay · September 05, 2020, 21:25

Hi Blair, thanks for the heads up on that. It looks like a useful forum that I wasn't aware of, so worth joining anyway.

I'm planning to try a rebuild of a Peco point to electrofrog-ify it. I'll take some photos to record the process, so I can share it if it works. (Or even to say 'don't do this' if it doesn't!)

Ian

Robin Webster · September 06, 2020, 18:02

Here are a few images of my Sunday Minitrix/Peco project.
Found here: https://imgur.com/a/MfoMkVd
The second image got mixed and should be at the end.

Ian this is for you send me your email so we can contact eachother.

Robin

Ian McAulay · September 06, 2020, 19:28

Hi Robin

That looks very neat and much the same as I'm planning to do to a Peco point. That's my project for later this week. My intention is to replace all the peco sleepers with copper clad from the closure rails to the heel end and retain the stock rails as you have.

Email coming via a PM.

Ian

Graeme Dunbar · September 06, 2020, 19:34

Quote from: Robin Webster on September 06, 2020, 18:02
Here are a few images of my Sunday Minitrix/Peco project.

Much impressed! It looks like you have done a significant part of the critical work in scratch-building a complete turnout!

Robin Webster · September 07, 2020, 08:45

Thank you gents. As I thought, it would be easier to scratch build a turnout then to try and convert one. But it works. A few electrical gaps have to be cut in the sleepers. I used Micro Trains bogies as my test tool.
Robin.

Robin Webster · September 08, 2020, 21:44

Converted MiniTrix turnout to a live frog.Just a dash of paint. Its ready for service.

Robin.