Hi All, I’m getting to the point on my N scale layout to install switch machines on the 4 turnouts that are out of reach. I was wondering if anybody has used the Switch Tender machine from Micromark. With my budget, it seems I could save a buck over using the Tortoise machines. Somewhere down the line I would like to use my Digitrax Zephyr to operate the turnouts using a DS64. I’m using #6 Atlas Custom N Line turnouts . Thanks for any help and advise.
Not even close. The Torotise is a much superior product. If Tortoises are out of your budget, consider RC servos. You have to buy a controller, like those sold by Tam Valley, but the servos themselves are less than $2 each on ebay. Depending on which controller you use, some already have the DCC decoder as well as pushbuttons, others are for pushbutton operation only. Even the ones with the DCC controller functionality built in, combined with the cheap servos from ebay, will cost less per turnout than a Tortoise. Or if you are really strapped at the moment, consider usung Caboose ground throws and manually operating your turnouts for now and move to motorized later on. Another option is the Bullfrog from Fast Tracks, mounting is the same way as a Tortoise or servo, operation is manual, but you can extend the control lever to the front of the layout. Same idea but FAR less expensive than BluePoint, which I find to be overpriced.
–Randy
I’ve got over a half-century in this hobby, starting with Lionels when I was barely out of diapers. (Thanks, Mom and Dad.) I’ve been back from a long time off for 6 years or so. I’ve been an Atlas guy for all these years, but I have a few Pecos on the layout, too. This weekend, I installed my first Tortoise machines.
I love them. They’re not even wired yet. I’m using clipleads to thrown them from one side to the other. It’s one of those “Aha!” moments, and I’ve barely begun to tap their potential. It’s not quite that sense of childlike wonder that I had when I hooked up my DCC system, but hey, I was in my fifties then. Now, I’m more of a grown-up.
The Tortoise machines are not the Gold Standard for nothing.
Thats like comparing Apples to Bricks not even close. The Tortoise is “The” switch machine of choice no question but if your looking to maybe save a few bucks and try something different check out Tam Valley Depot Duncan uses R/C servos as switch machines. They work extremely well and are a lot more cost effective then using Tortoises
It looks like the score is 3-0 for the Tortoise. None of the posters indicated whether or not they have use both Switch Machine and Tortoise, and I will confess up front that I have not used the Tortoise, but I have some Switch Machines installed on my N scale layout so I feel compelled to spring to their defense. I have no doubt that the Tortoise is a great switch machine and it has features like built in contacts that the Switch Machine doesn’t have so don’t take this as a put-down of the Tortoise in any way. It’s just my comments on the Switch Machine.
I find them easy to install. The directions are quite clear and a little measuring under the layout and making sure they are in line with the track will get them in the right place. The bracket mounts with a single screw and the motor can be taken in and out of the bracket for adjustment quite easily. My layout has 2" of foam over plywood so the supplied actuator wire is too short. I just bought wire from my LHS and cut the proper lengths. The parts and instructions for mounting both before and after the turnout is in place are included.
In short, what I like about the Switch Tender is its small size and ease of mounting. If you need contacts on your switch machine, then the Tortoise is the one for you. I would suggest buying one of each and installing them and see which you like better and stick with that one.
One of the big issues with the Switch Tender motors is that they draw 60 ma even after you install the current limiting resistor(I have not measured the draw without the resistor). This alone nixes the series install of tha bi-color panel LED(most can only handle about 20 ma). The Tortoise machines only draw about 17-18 ma at full stall. And, you can buy them ‘in quantity’ through discounters cheaper that even the Micro-Mark ‘quantity’ price.
I have picked up one the the TAM servro motor kits and it looks quite good. I have enough Tortoise motors to complete the layout at this time, so the TAM unit will be a future experiment.
Jim
Switch tenders are a knock off of the more expensive Switch Master motors.
In contrast to other opinions expressed here, many modelers I know consider Switchmasters to be the Cadillac of switch motors. (not saying they are, just saying that it depends who you are asking). The Switchmasters are more expensive than the switch tenders and draw considerably less current when stalled (same range as the tortoise).
Switch Masters do not provide contacts but they are reliable and very smooth. I have purchased Switch masters on Ebay at very good prices (patience wins here). Even though I like Switch Masters, I think many of the other options out there are quite good as well. I would consider Tortoise, Humpyard, Bullfrog, choke cables, servos, Fugates’s door latch etc…
Guy
Here’s a comparison of Tortoise and Switch Tender
Made link clickable.
–Randy
Thank you all for your input. I’ve read the comparison and checked out the Bullfrog, I don’t think I want to get into the servo thing. I use the Caboose Ind. ground throws on the reachable turnouts. I think I’ll be going with the Tortoise. Fathers day is coming up and told the kids ,“just give me cash”, I’ll see how that works. Thanks again…Dean
Great review.
I read one tine how to make a link click-able but don’t remember So how is it done Rrinker
Either highlight the URL and click the chain icon on the second row of the icons in the section just above where you type your message, 5th from the left, or just type [ u r l ] (without the spaces) in front of the URL you pasted and [ / u r l ] (again, no spaces, but DO include the [ and ] ) after it. That makes the text between those two codes a link, so make sure it contains only the URL of the site you are trying to link, and no extra periods or commas.
this: [ u r l ]http://www.google.com[ / u r l ] without the spaces is this: http://www.google.com
–Randy
how about a mini tortoise clone ( well almost ) in blue?? nice easy electrical connections too.
http://www.dccconcepts.com/index_files/Cobalt_turnout_motor.htm
Significantly more expensive than a Tortoise, and unless the insides are REALLY different, Circuitron might have a case for patent infringement there.
If size is important, servos are smaller and cheaper than a Tortoise, even factoring in the cost of the control circuitry required.
If sie is REALLY important there are things like the Flea, but I have 2 problems with them: not user-installable, and they draw power from the local track. Local track power of the accessory decoders is a bad idea, if there’s a short because of a mis-thrown turnout, there won’t be any power to fix it. Accessory decoders should have their own power district to prevent that from happening.
–Randy
true enough about the track power thing which i suppose is why the DS44 is cheap. but you could still run a seperate bus for those with breakers on the track feeds. just out of interest, how long has the tortoise patent got left to run?? i find it odd that an infringement would be risked.