I have a question I’m sure many here have the answer to I never using any Peco tracks am in need of making several of my new ones electrically controlled as I have my Atlas switch tracks , But if you wanted to power up a Peco what is type of power operator is needed ? I would like to keep them under the table top as space is limited here .Thanks in advance for any help .
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The Peco switch moto works fine, or so I am told.
The LION only uses Tortoise machines. If you use something other than the Peco machine, you will probably have to remove the spring that holds the points this way or that. Other machine do not like to fight against this spring.
ROAR
Thanks for the welcome , Been away from MRR for 45 yrs or so just getting back into this again and trying to avoid dumb and expensive mistakes … .
Hey Lion thanks for the reply , When you say the Tortoise machines are they those little green looking box’s ? I’ll look into those as you mentioned about the little keep springs will they need to come out for the tortuous units ? I’ve never used either one of these only the Atlas units to this point in time. As I said just I’m trying to avoid wasting time money and mistakes …
If you don’t mind the “click” sound they make,nothing can beat the Peco PL-10 twincoil turnout motors.They install directly to the turnout and I have yet to see one fail.However,even if they are under the turnout,they still can be seen.An easy fix is to have small ballasted covers to hide them.Some modelers simply cover them permanently(after cutting the extra bent tabs,no big job) permanently with scenery.They’re so reliable,it isn’t much of a risk.They need a good strong current to throw though,most modelers use a CDU (capacitive discharge unit) for them.
Tortoises are just as reliable if not better,but depending the thickness of your benchwork,installation may be more complicated.But when correctly installed,they’ll work forever.They throw silently and also supply internal switches,should you want to power frogs or other things like signals,etc.
I second pretty much everything that’s been said. I like the Peco machines. They are rock-solid and the spring built into the turnout itself holds the points firmly against the stock rails. Like others, I put a thin piece of gray-painted cardboard between the turnout and the machine, which both hides the opening and protects it from anything which might accidentally fall through the tracks.
That said, there is also an argument to be made for Tortoise machines, which are “green boxes” to the untrained eye. They, too, are solid and reliable. They are slow-motion, which is a more realistic look when throwing the points over. They also come with two sets of contacts for controlling panels lights or signals, or for powering frogs on those turnouts that require that. The Peco machine does not have auxilliary contacts, but Peco has an add-on unit that will give you one single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) toggle powered by the machine. As mentioned, though, you need to remove the spring from the Peco turnout if you’re going to drive it with a Tortoise. You have to do that before you install the turnout, as it’s done from the underside.
Hi on time & welcome,
Ditto to Jacktal and Mr B. There is also the PL-10E with an extended drive pin, for mounting through a slot under the tie bar through boards and roadbed to about 1½" thick by folding the center luggs flat round the drive pin and the outer ones bent out at right angles, 2 srews and washers do the rest.
Me I’d wire the motor before fitting them anywhere, a lot easier them being on the point or not.
Be in touch.
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Hi,
the (Normal 0) ain’t mine.
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Thanks for all the info guys Its much appreciated . I went to the local train shop here today and all he had in stock was the Tortoise slo mo mach. I got 2 two try them out seems like a rather strong Servo in them I did like the fact I can wires the signal lighting through the same buss bar and not have to deal with a separate relay .
The shop owner also sold me some of the top mounted Caboose little black manual throw switch levers for a few close turnouts that I can reach easily not sure I’ll use them but you never know when it will come in handy .
But as for the clicking of the Pecos after 40 + yrs of wiring controls for A/C’s boilers chillers and Machinery when I hear a click I no something is working or moving (: This is a great form many to quickly help when you don’t no for sure … What I used to tell all my apprentice boys was if you don’t no ask ! I ask , Again guys Thanks a ton its really appreciated I’m sure I’ll have many more questions in the near future .