rix t-c switch machines

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi

I"m wondering if anybody used rix t-c switch machines on there layout. Are these good? If not what other under the table switch machines are there that are electric and cheap?

2

Tam Valley Depot servos and controllers are very reasonably priced. I’m not familiar at all with the Rix product you’re asking about.

3

I believe these are the items he’s talking about: http://www.rixproducts.com/twincoil.htm

To the OP, what is the definition of “cheap” these days? The Rix website shows these machines as listing at $12.99 For a dollar or two more you can get a Tortoise machine if you shop wisely. Also, they are shown as being not in stock. I believe I looked a number of years ago and saw the same not in stock message. I’m not sure they are still being made.

Concerning the Tam Valley items Cacole mentioned, I don’t know if these will work on a non-DCC railroad. Are you DC or DCC?

4

I have several RIX machines in operation. They throw the points reliably and lock solidly. Installation is straightforward as long as there’s solid plywood (or similar) for the mounting screws to bite into. The contacts are a bit touchy, due to the small throw of the ‘back of the machine’ set. (I need to use both sets of contacts. The front set powers my live frogs, The rear set powers signals and panel indicators.)

Has Rick started producing them again?

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

5

Apparently not. Which probably makes the thread somewhat moot.

Edit: I overstated that – only the Rix machines are likely off the table for the OP. Other solutions are still worth discussing, of course.

6

Tam Valley servo controlelrs work on DC or DCC. The most economical variation, the Octopus, which controls 8 servos, is in fact DC only. There are ways to hook up a DCC stationary decoder to it shoudl you eventually go that route, but out of the box it has no DCC capability, unliekt he Singlet and Quad devices, which already have DCC decoders in them (but have pushbuttons for manual control WITHOUT DCC).

–Randy

7

I have used the Rix product before but they can be a little bit of a pain when it comes to the contacts. I mounted them on a Rix undermount kit and it did simplify the installation - but after going to that expense, there were other alteratives.

8

Tortoise machines can be had for about $13-$14 each. Check e-Bay, Trainworld, orTony;s Train Exchange. If servos are what you want, check out SmartSwitch by ANE Models (www.ANEModel.com) - I have several of these and they are great. Compare them with the Tam Valley products.

I have not seen the Rix products available for some time.

RicZ