DPDT Toggle Switch for tortoises, ON-OFF-ON, or ON-ON?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

What is the right switch to use on a control panel for tortoises?

DPDT Toggle Switch ON-OFF-ON, or ON-ON?

2

You want to use an On-On type as the Tortoise should be under power all the time you are running the layout. They are made to stall and hold the turnout closed or open. The great thing about them is if you wire them backwards, just turn the toggle around 180° and it will work right. Very easy to install and use. I love them.

3

Quite correct on the ON-ON. Another way of saying it is “no center position”. Also you can use either a DPDT or SPST for this purpose. Whatever you can find.
BB

4

If you are using DC to power the Tortoise, you will need a DPDT toggle as the purpose of the toggle is to reverse the direction (polarity) of the current to the tortoise. If you are using AC then there is a much more complex way of routing the power where a SPST might be able to be used (I am not sure). All a SPST toggle will do is turn power on and off which is not what you do with the tortoise.

The wireing looks like this on the back of the DPDT toggle:

5

If you have a pile of center-off DPDTs you can use them. Just remember not to leave them in the off position as the motor will stop holding the points securely against the rail.
(When you turn on the layout power, you hear all the little reptiles make a slight nudge as the go to their full position.)