Another Tortoise question

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m in the process of setting up several tortoise’s. When visiting a couple of clubs I noticed that they had the wire bent over the turnout point. Is this necessary? The instructions do not mention it and I’d rather not if it isn’t required.
Thanks

2

I wouldn’t do that. If you bend it too close, it will pull down on the throwbar at the extremes of the throw. Just cut it off, a bit above flush with everythign centered. Wire cutters designed for piano wire (hardened), the kind that nip at the end instead of side, work well. You cna use a Dremel but be careful of the wire gettign hot and melting the throwbar if it’s plastic. Also shield your eyes. And while the wire is stickign out, ebfore you cut it off, put a tape flag on the end so you don’t lean over and poke yourself.

–Randy

3

Thanks

My first turnout is currently a problem and I think it’s because I tried to bend on both sides. I’ll try it straight tomorrow.

4

There is absolutely no need to bend the wire. Once it protrudes through the hole in the throw bar, cut the wire level with the throwbar. I have 64 Tortoises on my layout that were installed like this, and all work fine. Bending the wire would seem to invite problems because there is no way to make the bent wire flush with the throwbar. There are lots of things on a moving train that can snag the bent wire, none of these things will produce good results. Just be sure to cut the wire flush with the throwbar. Protruding wire can also cause snagging problems. Don’t ask me how I know.

Rich

5

There is absolutely no need to bend the wire. Once it protrudes through the hole in the throw bar, cut the wire level with the throwbar. I have 64 Tortoises on my layout that were installed like this, and all work fine. Bending the wire would seem to invite problems because there is no way to make the bent wire flush with the throwbar. There are lots of things on a moving train that can snag the bent wire, none of these things will produce good results. Just be sure to cut the wire flush with the throwbar. Protruding wire can also cause snagging problems. Don’t ask me how I know.

Rich