Slow Motion Switch Machine Footprint

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am far enough along with my layout now and have started looking at slow motion turnout switches. Here on the forum the 2 most popular name brands seem to be Switchmaster and Tortoise. I have built a double cross over and one of the four turnouts is close to a siding turnout (3" centers).

Looking at the “pictures” the Tortoise looks like it is smaller and does not use the motor arm and crank wire which looks like it would take up more space. I can’t get to my LHS to physically compare them due to medical issues. Which slow motion switch has the smallest footprint (uses the least space)?

2

snake
i just got one of mine out and measured it. its the tortoise one.
it measures 2x2x 2.8 tall but with the throw bar add .2 to one of the 2" sides.
hope that helps for that one. plus you can buy or make, a push pull linkage to help with the close quarter issue you have.

glenn

3

Dave;

As Glenn suggests, move the machine away , and use linkages. You only need one Tortise or Switchmaster for all four switches in the double crossover.

4

Hmmm… One Tortoise for 4 turnouts. You just saved me some $$. As a newbie to MRR I would have bought 1 for each turnout.

Do you link the Tortoise so that all four TO’s are set to go straight through then when switched all TO’s would be set to the divergence?

Is there some instruction/pictures on how-to do this?

5

Yes. I do not know of any pictures. E-mail one of the guys at Comrail (www.comrail.org), they may be able to send you a diagram, or take a picture of how the mechanics are laid out. The double crossover on Comrail’s layout is set up this way.

Nigel (no longer in OK, now in MN)

6

I e-mailed Comrail Dec 8th but they haven’t replied.

Does anyone have pics or diagrams for using one Tortorise switch with a double crossover? I am building the 2xcross using Atlas code 83 #6 Custom-Line turnouts on cork roadbed and 1/2" plywood sub-roadbed.