Turnouts
OK, it's time to start on the harder portion of track laying. The two hidden staging areas now meet up with the rest of the layout and the switches that lead to them. Here's my problem: I can reach all of the layout switches for hand throwing without much trouble. However, I may want to "automate" some turnouts using a "Tortise" switch machine and I haven't a clue as to how to install them. I inherited these machines from an old friend who no longer models (age and infirmity issues) but have no paperwork. Hopefully, I will be able to get wiring instructions online somewhere.
Questions: A) what size hole needs to be drilled through the wood (in places) or cork (in others) or pink foam base to support the throw rod?
B) what is the best support (if needed) under the pink foam base to add stability to the machine?
C) can I connect these machines to the same power buss I plan on using for lights for buildings etc. run by a separate power pack?
D) what type of switch is best for control? Double throw- double pole? Single pole? ????
I have some Rix mounts that could be used with several non-Tortise switch machines and could use some advice on mounting and using these. The layout will be NCE powered DCC with non-radio control - 3 operator panels spanning 24ft.
Mainline switches are Code 83 number 4 & 6's. Yards and sidings are Code 70 (Shinnohara) 5 & 6's with one curved number 8. If I wanted to "prep" all the switches for possible switch machine use should hand throws be impractical or converted later, what are your suggestions? Also, does anyone have practical experience with under-the-table manual throw rod construction which could be an alternative for me?
Thanks.
Dave C.
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turnouts
Here is the MFG. Web site
http://www.circuitron.com/
Doug Hatman
David, Here's a link to the
David,
Here's a link to the PDF document of the instructions that come with the Tortoise:
http://www.amhobby.com/download/man-tortoise.pdf
Rick
Rick
The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO / MRH Blog / MRM #123
Mt. 22: 37- 40
Links
Thanks everyone for the links to documents. Still thinking about manual turnouts from the facia as being practical for this point-to-point layout - - max of 3 operators for the 24ft with 2 yards and sidings.
Chief Operating Officer
The Greater Nickel Plate
Joe makes turnout throws from
Joe makes turnout throws from dead-bolts (like you'd use on a fence) in volume one of his videos. It looks really durable and seems to work great.
Use a separate buss for lights
I would not connect the Tortoise machines to the same buss used for lights as they will cause the lights on the same circuit to dim while they are throwing.
Jurgen
HO Deutsche Bundesbahn circa 1970
Visit the HO Sudbury Division at http://sudburydivision.ca/
The preceding message may not conform to NMRA recommended practices.
If the lights dim when the Tortoise machines are energized,
then either your buss wires are too small, or your power source is not big enough to handle the load, or a combination of both.
Hole Size
I use a half inch hole for the throw bar wire with my 3/4 inch thick roadbed and cork. Before ballasting I use post it notes to narrow down the hole to just a slot for the wire.
I mounted some with screws and some with hot glue. Both methods were easy to remove when the time came.
I used a variety of control methods including spdt and dpdt center off switches. Spdt works with a two supply system, one positive and one negative. The dpdt switch, wired as a reversing switch will work with a single supply.
Back to back LEDs in series with the tortoise will indicate turnout alignment. The tortise draws about 10ma when stalled so the current is low enough for leds, do check specs.
I have run tortoise machines on as low as 5 volts.
I use separate supplies for powering switch machines--DC wall warts picked up at Goodwill are cheap and they normally have a collection.
Tortoise machines with model airplane linkage can be remoted or used to move the points of more than one turnout with a single tortoise. I did power a couple of double crossovers with a single tortoise. Do experiment if you have an unusual application. Test it well before burying it...
I designed a circuit that uses momentary switches and can used in diode matrix applications for one button per route operation. There have been several articles recently about route selections in some of the print mags.
I have not used tortoise machines with thick foam layout construction so I have no experience.
Have fun,
Terry