I have always used Atlas under -the -table- switch machines for the past 25 years but now I’ve decided to switch to the Circuitron Tortoise machines…I have an idea how to mount them but if anyone has done them before is there any advice you might share with me to get them mounted correctly…I understand how to wire a DPDT switch for them to work but am more interested in a simple way to mount them and make adjustments to the spring wire…I’ll start my first one this weekend…Chuck[:D]
Do NOT try to mount the Tortoise directly to the underneath of the benchwork - you’ll drive yourself nuts.
I mount the Tortoise to a small scrap of plywood, about 2" x 4" and start a couple of dry wall screws into the scrap alongside the Tortoise. Hold the Tortoise where you want it to be (so it throws the way you want it to) and drive the two dry wall screws home. Takes about 2 minutes to mount one.
Most people replace the .025 included wire with something a bit stronger, like .032 or .040. The new wire might have to be a bit longer to account for the scrap wood the Tortoise is mounted to.
Lionel Strang did an article in MR “Working on the Railroad” about setting up Tortoise switch machines. I tried to find it but was unsuccessful.
I did it and it is wonderful. Essentially ,it is as follows. Y ou attach a 8 post terminal strip to a small square of plywood ( slightly larger than the base of the switch machine)(as stated above is good). Solder wires to each lead of the switch machine and attach the other end to the terminal strip. Position the switch machine on the wood so that the throw arm is clear of the wood. Pre-drill two pilot holes for screws in the wood to attach the wood to the underside of your subroadbed. Align the machine with the turnout and tighten one screw. (I used drywall screws). Attach the two leads to a switch that you are going to use to throw the turnout. Experiment with the alignment until it is working fine, then tighten the other screw.
The use of the terminal strip allows you to use the other features of the Tortoise machine at a later date without removing it and soldering more wires.
If I find the article, I will repost.
Hope this helps…Ken
thanks guys…I’ll get it done but i always get a bit jittery when I do something for the first time…they can’t be any harder to mount then those atlas UTTSM’s…they did drive me nuts…Chuck
I’m just starting to replace my Atlas machines with Tortoise also. I’ll be trying to install the Ts without taking up any turnouts. The Tortoise instructions have some good tips on this. Any more would be appreciated.
This looks like good advice. I’ll also look for the article and check back.
Thanks,
rather than soldering to the tortoise I’ve found an edge connector that fits onto it, so I can solder all the cabling to that connector. I’ll still use a wood base though instead ofr attaching direct to the track base. in fact I can’t attach direct, as my base is styrofoam.
Think this is probably the article to which Ken refers:
Improved installation of Circuitron Switch machines, Model Railroader, July 1997, page 104 ( CIRCUITRON, MACHINE, “STRANG, LIONEL”, SWITCH, MR )
Bob
NMRA Life 0543