This is probably a dumb question but what is the best way to attach a PECO switch machine to the underside of a Walters #6 turnout? The conventional way in the PECO instructions does not seem to work as the bend over tabs get in the way of the operation of the turnout?
I’m not so sure it would be advisable to try using a Peco switch motor with any other brand of turnout, since they are stronger than most motors so they can overcome the Peco turnout’s built-in spring. The Peco machine may exert too much force on the Walthers/Shinohara turnout and damage it.
My suggestion would be to use a Tortoise.
I dont know, maybe a tortoise’s piano like wire that bends a little bit might be the key.
I’m with Cacole, but for a different reason. The Peco machine is designed for the Peco turnout, which has a strong spring to hold the points against the track. Without that spring, the Peco machine won’t hold the points where you want them. Yeah, they’ll work for a while, but then they’ll drift off. Don’t even think of using the points for power routing.
How do I know this? I had some old Shinohara 3-way turnouts. Brass, but pricey to replace, so I bought Peco machines to drive them. After a month on the layout, glued and ballasted, I pulled them up and bought Peco turnouts to match the machines. Now, you can put me in the “Happy Campers” column.
I don’t believe the Peco switch motors have an over-center action to hold position, since the Peco turnouts themselves have the spring for this. Best case, it wouldn’t hold tight agaist the stock rails, worst case when you operate the motor it will literally bounce off the side and back to the middle somewhere. Either way, no joy.
–Randy
Peco make a base for the switch machine with a spring in it. It’s designed to be mounted on the table top beside the turnout.