I will be using Tortise switches on my HO layout. I will have a custom double crossover made with Atlas #6 Custom Line TOs. See trackplan, http://members.cox.net/dbhuff/dsrr/.
I would like to link the Tortoise so that all four TO’s are set to go straight through and when switched all TO’s would be set to the divergence?
In a previous post Nigel told me that it possible to use 1 Tortise to control all 4 turnouts and suggested I contact Comrail as they do this and have designed the required linkage. I e-mailed Comrail on 12-8-03 with no response to date.
Does anyone know how to use 1 switch to power all four TOs?
If so, do you have photos and/or diagrams?
I’ve done it but not with Tortoise. I used model aircraft rods, clevices, ball joints and control arms. Just think pivot points. Your local Hobby shop if they are into RC aircraft should be able to give direction.
Thanks Fergie for the tip. I used to do R/C planes 35-40 yrs ago and hadn’t thought about using the linkage form an R/C.
It uses linkages and bell cranks, but I do not believe that they were R/C stuff, just items that someone put together.
There was an article with pics on doing exactly what you want a couple or more years back in, I believe it was MR but not sure.
Try doing a search on the magazine database they have to find out for sure.
CBQ_Guy, Thanks for the tip.
I did a search of back issues and found a few recent articles that might be what I am looking for. I e-mailed Trains.com support and asked if I could get copies of the articles.
I’ll post their response when I get it.