Detailing turnouts for an HO scale train layout.

~ Detailing Turnouts ~

There are three turnouts on the module that I wanted to replicate. On the prototype, each turnout is unique even though they are in close proximity to each other. All of the prototype pictures were taken with permission using the appropriate PPE.

Prototype Turnouts

Detailing a PECO Code 83 Turnout

On the prototype, the high speed turnouts are very large - measuring out to be about four scale feet long in HO! So, here is the first of the selective compression decisions I had to make. I decided to go with PECO code 83 #8 turnouts because they are large enough to look realistic yet take up a reasonable amount of space. Each turnout was detailed according to the prototype picture.

The first change to the PECO turnouts was to re-position the points so that there was less of a gap between the main rail and the point. Then the throwbars were scratchbuilt to match the prototype pictures The PECO frog was cut out and replaced with a prototypical magnesium frog made by Details West. The guardrails were also replaced during this process. Finally, the turnout was wired to be DCC ready with a powered frog and powered points.