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Post by dawdawes on Nov 3, 2016 1:08:58 GMT -5
A question concerning track compatability. I use Rokuhan for my layouts in the scenic area,but want to use peco z flex with marklin turnouts(points) in the fiddle yard. How good are the Marklin turnouts for running quality ?
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Post by boxcarwilly on Nov 4, 2016 12:13:27 GMT -5
I have just started putting Marklin Turnouts on my layout. I've been doing a lot of research into ready made turnouts and there seems to be a lot of debate as to which of the three manufacturers is best. I have been using MTL turnouts both manual and electric and I have found, particularly with the most recent production runs that there are problems with these, in that there isn't always consistent power to the divergent side of the turnout. Oh, straight through is OK, but many MTL turnouts I've purchased recently have this problem. There is also a problem with the frog in that the pathway for the flanges isn't deep enough causing the wheels to ride up and derail. Additionally, the points don't always meet the rails every time they are shifted which again causes derailments. Research suggests that Marklin turnouts are better. However, I have read also, that they too have a tendency to loose power across the frog. The points themselves are better but sometimes they are just a mm higher then the main rails and need to be adjusted or filed down.
Now lets talk about Rokuhan. From what I've seen and read, these turnouts are far superior in looks and function as the power across the frog is constant, the frog itself is deep enough for wheel flanges to pass through without derailing, and what makes them the best is the slight indent in the main rails for the points to slide into which makes derailments virtually a thing of the past. On the down side, Marklin and MTL turnouts are 3 wire, positive, negative and ground. Rokuhan is two which requires their own special switching devices which means having Rokuhan power packs to power everything. No problem if your just starting out and wire your entire layout for Rokuhan track and accessories. But if you're like me, and wanted to use Rokuhan, I'd have to re-wire my entire layout, buy new power packs, switch machines and on and on and on. In my case, not practical at all. In as far as combining track, you'll find that Rokuhan track is a fraction of a mm higher then Marklin and MTL which will cause a slight bump as your equipment passes over the joints. If you are using Rokuhan track now, then my advice would be to stick with it throughout your entire layout. Rokuhan does make flex track but again it's just that tiny bit higher then Marklin turnouts. In retrospect, if Rokuhan had been available when I first got started in Z scale, I would have gone with that instead of MTL and Marklin. Far more dependable and compatibility wouldn't be an issue.
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Post by markm on Nov 4, 2016 12:22:47 GMT -5
The Marklin turnouts work well. I have had no operational problems on past layouts. Two things to watch out for: it's really easy to destroy the mechanism with scenic glue, and while they will work with DC control power, I found about 10-20% have problems switching. If you use DC, I'd suggest checking all turnouts before you commit them to the layout.
Mark
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Post by boxcarwilly on Nov 5, 2016 9:43:48 GMT -5
Mark makes a very valid point here but I would add that it is a very wise and prudent thing to do by checking the operation of ALL turnouts before installation. Disappointment can therefore be eliminated. I run all my turnouts with DC control and with the exception of the MTL turnouts, I've had no switching problems in regards to the points.
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Post by dawdawes on Nov 6, 2016 15:48:51 GMT -5
I am running Rokuhan on Lincoln www.dawdawes.com and find them a bit hit and miss,especially the throwing of the point (switch) mind it is an exhibition layout. on the subject of switches to operate them, tomix,kato or there own work fine, I use tomix purchased from plaza japan, about $6 each
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