DouglasKerr

We have all been struggling for years with experienced and very expert Electronic Engineers reduced to tears as they cannot get across the truth that irrespective of wither Traditional or DCC the same electrical laws/rules apply. The Spin Doctors all convinced us that there would be less wiring, not really true, it has just been packaged up into expensive boxes, then further aggravated by the need for heavy gauge electrical wiring and need for droppers every 3 or so feet. This final point nullifies the usefulness of Unifrog, the vast majority of us are exacerbated by the lack of good quality insulated fishplates. Has anyone asked what is the Mean Time Between Failure of the decoders. It is zero potential difference that is required not always on which will drastically shorten functionality of decoders. Whomever thought up Unifrog did not appreciate the consequences. The manufacturers have just used DCC as an excuse to increase turnover. Now in addition to the points you need a point motor a, minimum of two micro switches additional wiring and switches, making them a necessity not an option. The DCC users are going to lynch Peco when they find out. Unifrog is not suitable for most home use. For the novice/young we need Insulfrog and the rest of us Electrofrog. Perhaps we might be saved by Bachmann reworking the old Graham Farish Formoway points.

Thank you for your input. Checked over the Mainline & Airfix Locos not one shows any problem except an 03 on which the crank chassis bearing has disintegrated. You have given me 2 solutions which I will try if mine fails. I have Cleaned the insert they must have been secured at centre with a cyanoacrylate (the switch cleaner turned it white). Have now placed the inserts between two left over lengths of frame brass clamped together under light pressure and put in greenhouse for some gentle heat. As the inserts are not under any mechanical load there is a good probability that POP undercoat will not be needed to increase the tensile strength of cyanoacrylate for the metal to Non Stick Plastic bond. Worth a try if it does not work can always cut balance weights off the insert or ask Bachman/Replica for help.

The 2 new small extensions are working great and all works well. Thought time to run a few things not out for a while. Replica Railways B1 with my tender pick ups always, was a good runner, unpacked from its box and not going to go. Ah ha the valve gear is binding. Took to bits nothing wrong with valve gear an the pod motor running great. No problem with the axles. No it is the plastic driving wheel inserts the centres have popped out secure at circumference but popped out at centre like a suction cup. Has anyone been able to refit the centres? It has given 30 years good service at exhibitions and at home would be a shame to scrap it.