I plan to install two Tortoise switch machines this weekend on two Peco code 100 turnouts.
I’ve been reading that most remove the tension spring on the Peco turnouts when using Tortoise switch machines. I can see why this is done, since the Tortoise might have trouble “pushing” against this spring.
So removing the spring sounds like the way to go, but what I can’t find is a clear way on how to remove the spring.
Does anyone know of a website that shows how to remove the tension spring from a Peco turnout?
I figured there would be multiple easy to find sites via Google. But all I’ve been able to find is many posts (some on this forum) and sites that say to remove the spring, however never going into great detail on how to do this.
Our track is already installed and the holes have been drilled for the Tortoise, however I have not yet ballasted so I can easily take up the turnouts if it is easier to remove springs this way.
I don’t plan to power route the turnouts (all insulfrogs) so I didn’t solder a wire to the frogs. However If I pull up the turnout, is it a good idea to have a frog wire in place in case I ever decide to have power routing?
If you use a much thicker peice of music wire (get it at your hobby shop or hardware store etc.) you don’t have to remove the spring! You will have to drill a bigger mounting hole on the Tortoise though. The points will snap back and forth and the Tortoise will have no problem with it.
I like the snap action as It gives me a reassurance that everything is working like it should. This was idea borrowed from other model railroaders and I use code 100 Pecos in my staging yards. I can’t remember what wire size I used but I think it was .040"
I did remove the spring on one turnout and the little parts went everywhere. So you could remove the spring completely or just weaken it and reinstall it for smaller wire. I like my method better.
Interesting.
I purchased some stronger rod/wire for use on one of them since there is a long distance to go through our board and mountain scenery.
I also like the snap action of Peco turnouts, especially on the ones I want to be manual.
Leaving the spring in place when using Tortoise machine kind of defeats the whole purpose of using the Tortoise machines, on might as well either use the Peco machines or some other dual solenoid machine.
If you’re going to use the Tortoise as intended for slow motion action, then the spring must be removed. To do this look at the point end of the turnout, you will see a cover with a “T” shape on it, there are 2 staple ears holding that cover down, pry them back and the cover will come off and then just pull spring out and replace the cover if you want (without the spring the cover and staple have no other functions).
Sorry, I don’t agree modelmaker. It works fine with the stall motor and it goes whrrrrrrr snap. With a larger diameter wire the Tortoise and the Peco switch work fine together and you can use the extra contact on the Tortoise to power the electro frog, for switch indicators signals etc., if you wish with a little modification.
The rails still make firm contact on each side of the turnout provided you mount the turnout and switch machine propertly. The same protocal for all turnouts is to tape the points in the center of the turnout temporarily and set the acutuator wire in the center of the Tortoise throw and centered under the turnout. That way you have equal throw on both sides. If need be, drill the hole harger than the recommended size.
I didn’t say it wouldn’t work, in fact I’m sure it does.
The purpose of using a Tortoise SLOW MOTION machine is to throw the points SLOWLY, (without the slamming of the point rails and the noise that goes with it). All I was saying is that you might as well use a twin coil machine, (like Peco’s own, you can add switch contacts to it). NJ International makes a twin coil machine that has contacts (both cost less ). You’re spending extra money for the Tortoise and not taking advantage of it’s intended function, there’s no need for the spring if you’re using a Tortoise (the Tortoise puts more pressure against the stock rail than the spring) and while it’s working now, it will wear out sooner by having to produce the extra torque to overcome the spring which it wasn’t designed to do. But it’s your railroad and you can do anything you want with it.
The spring can be removed from a peco point/turnout after the track has been laid. This is one feature of Peco that I like.
There is a small piece of plastic between the points which has two small metal tabs on either side. Use a small screwdriver to lever the tabs up. Keep your finger on the plastic bit or a magnet close by to catch the spring, it is a very thin piece of wire in a V shape with the ends turned 90 degrees. Just lift it out and your turnout has no spring! It can be replaced if you ever need to go back to manual operation.
cheers
Thanks for all the info.
Could not have been any easier. I also saved the springs just in case I ever want to go back to manual turnouts.