Can you use Tortoises Switch machines with the Peco Switches> I notice that they snap lock from side to side. Does this effect the slow motion of the Tortoises?
Thanks, DON
Yes, if you do nothing to the Peco turnout, it will snap over once the Tortoise moves far enough to exert enough pressure. Not exactly what you are after. The newer Peco turnouts have a small plastic clip you can slide back that releases this spring tension, and it’s fairly easy to remove it on the ones that don’t have this nice feature.
–Randy
Thanks for the info Randy!
DON
You can remove the centering spring from a Peco turnout very easily if the turnout has not yet been installed. Turn the layout upside down and bend up the two small tabs on the sides of the centering spring cover. Pop the cover off and remove the spring. Then install the turnout and it can easily be thrown with a Tortoise without snapping into position.
All my Peco turnouts have already been installed, can I still use Tortoise switch machines? Can I leave the springs in or is there a way to remove them after the turnouts have been installed?
If you replace the throw rod wire that comes with the Tortoise with a slightly heavier gauge piano wire, it should be able to throw a Peco that still has the centering spring in place.
The centering springs can only be removed from the bottom of the turnout, so if they are already mounted just leave them as they are.