I have all Peco code 83 track on my layout with the exception of one Shinohara diamond and it has been a pita from the getgo. Locomotives invariably stall or hesitate going over it. 

The plastic frogs appear to be much bigger than they need  to be which, I suppose, is to prevent shorts as the wheels go over so instead of shorts I get stalls. This is the only place on the entire layout causing trouble so it's not dirty wheels or track.

Does anyone have any wisdom on making this thing work like it should?

Don

I just retired and now want to build some model train layouts. I have acquired both O and HO Loco's, rolling stock, track and scenery and see merit to both. I have a layout base completed as shown below. Each leg of horseshoe is 4ft by 16 ft with 4ft by 4ft connecting each leg at end. Plan using insde the shoe fir control stations.

Need advice from experienced modelers on having O and HO coexisting. Would it be too conflicting, should I divide with diorama mountain range with tunnel for each? Should HO have 4x16 vice 4x8?

On my switching layout I think operating gates and derails on industry spurs will add a lot. It will be a while before I have any detailed scenery. 

This morning, while drinking coffee, I decided to make a few "stand-ins."  It took a few minutes to make the labels and attach them to some unused cardstock.  And I don't know if I'll use them for very long, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.