I currently have Atlas turnouts for my N-Scale layout. I am adding some Peco turnouts to the layout and am considering the Peco switch machine. Do they control panel lights (like the Tortise)? The seem easy to use. Any comments on this subject appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help.
The Peco machines themselves will not control panel lights or power routing. You will need to add the accessory switch contacts to each machine to get the additional contacts needed for light and power control.
Compare the cost of the Peco switch machine plus accessory contacts with the cost of a Tortoise machine. If the pricing is close, the Tortoise will be harder to install than the Peco but easier to wire for lights and power. Your choice!
Either way you go, you will have a good switch machines.
Darrell, quiet…for now
Thanks for the response. Could you explain the accessory switch contacts. Is their a brand/type to look for? How about a wiring diagram?
Here’s what I have used to indicate which way a peco is throwen.
Ken.
The contacts are made by Peco and get glued to the switch machine on the other side to the turnout. Parts numbers are PL13 for single pole and PL15 for DPDT.
British prices in pounds were 2.15 and 5.50.
I’ve used the single pole switch.
If I’m not mistaken, the switch machines by Atlas come with connection points so you can power frogs and/or indicator lights. And, bonus! they are cheaper than Peco’s machines.
I would caution you about using Peco turnouts in N-scale. Take a close look at the frogs, compare the Peco with the Atlas turnouts, and you will notice a large gap. This gap can play havoc with your rolling stock, causing derailments or loss of power (particularly to steam locomotives). My LHS pointed this out to me. He said some modellers will add a styrene shim to prevent derailments. Because of this, I have decided against Peco and have opted for Atlas turnouts and machines (the lower price was also a consideration).
More on the Peco switch here:
http://www.ospreyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/kmr/wiring/points01.htm
http://www.ospreyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/kmr/track/points01.htm
http://www.ospreyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/kmr/wiring/signals01.htm
Well, that’s clearly the first time that I hear someone say Atlas TO’s are
more reliable in regards to derailments then Peco TO’s… [:o)]
It’s usually the other way around, no?
cccpro,
My friend, Timothy, and I have already had MAJOR discussions regarding the availability of various Atlas and Peco turnouts and their use on a layout. Look under the topic: “newbie to N-scale looking for advice” for our discussions.
Timothy has already posted his opinion on this thread, and I’ll not resume our previous discussion. Suffice it to say that we disagreed on a few things, but we DID agree on many things once we made sure we were talking about the same thing. Read the other topic and you will understand what I mean.
Timothy is from Canada, so the prices I used in my comments on the other topic don’t apply directly to him, since his prices are going to be different from those in the US. If you are in the US, the prices I quoted are fairly accurate and actually may be a little on the high side. Examine both brands of turnouts to see which one you like.
The point Timothy makes here on this topic is a valid point. It is worth your time to take a look at both Atlas and Peco turnouts. I like Atlas turnouts, and I use quite a few of them. I also like Peco and will be using many more of them in the future. Just about ALL of my new turnout purchases will be Peco. I think you will find that many modelers also prefer Peco over Atlas, but as Timothy suggests, check them out for yourself. Prices of turnouts and machines may be the deciding factor in which brand you purchase.
Hi, Timothy. I couldn’t see starting our discussion all over again. As much as I enjoyed it, I’m afraid we would be boring the other readers by covering old ground. My preferences are still going to lean toward Peco, but you have just as valid an opinion as I do and cccpro would be wise to investigate your suggestion first-hand.
Darrell, once more quiet…for now
OOPS!! My error!
My discussions with Timothy were on the topic titled: “Peco vs. Atlas Turnouts”.
cccpro, that’s the topic you should read. It’s under the general discussions forum heading.
Darrell, oops, but quiet…for now
I would advise strongly against fitting the machine directly to the switch in N scale - they are designed to clip on directly but this puts a lot of weight on the switch and can distort it. Better to mount the machine under the board (screwed to the board) driving the switch through an extended pin (Peco sell a machine with a longer than standard pin for this purpose). Hope this is of use!
If you’re talking about the Peco PL10 switch motor - you’re kidding, right? [:D]