Tortoise Machine & two switches?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Is it possible to run one tortoise machine from two switches located in two different areas of the layout.

If so a schematic of the wiring would be greatly appreciated.

I have an around the room type layout with an extension on the outside that is used for staging. I have a backdrop separating the staging area. The turnout in question is in the inner section and I want to be able to switch it from the staging area as well as when I’m in the inside of the loop therefore needing two separate switches.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Bill

2

There was an article in either the October, November, or December 2007 issue of MR that explained how to set up the tortoise from two separate toggle switches. Browse thru the back order issues of MR and you will find it.

3

Bill,

Here is a ‘quick & dirty’ way to do this without electronics:

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm

Scroll down to the Advanced Slo-Motion Switch Machine Configurations section. The bi-color LED’s are not needed, but are very nice to show you how the turnout is aligned.

Jim Bernier

4

Excellent!!! Thanks Jim. I really appreciate the link. I will be using bipolar LED’s too.

Bill

5

Here’s the diagram to save a step for anyone else interested.

The circuit is infinitely expandable as to number of switches. You only need to swap the two tortoise motor wires at each switch.