Tortoise or Peco switch machine? That is the question..

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi,
I’m trying to decide, which switch machines to use for Peco C55 TO’s.
I like the Tortoise ones, but I’m not sure about removing the over-center
spring from those TO’s. Looking at the TO, it doesn’t seem like a good idea,
to mess with that. What’s your take?
No biggy?

2

Kyle;

Do you want it to move BANG-BANG or slowly and smoothly ?

Both choices are reliable.

3

I do like the Tortoise slow-mo action. But again, that means modifiying
the TO’s and removing the springs…
The Peco machines + aux switch + mountig bracket cost about the same as
a Tortoise, so I could go either way (bankrupt anyways…).
Is there an article on how to remove the over-center springs savely?

4

http://aglasshalffull.org/article-l-frog-switching-2.html

gotta love google [:)]

5

Thanks for the link, I’ll check that out. [:)]

6

It’s very easy to remove the Peco springs by prying up the tabs that hold the cover plate over the center of the turnout.

7

Thanks for the hint!
I’ll take a look at that.

8

Ok,
I finally got a Peco TO and a Tortoise in that I’d ordered as a “sample”.

And I’m completely blown away by the obvious quality of this turnout.
The points are as fine as a clockwork made in Switzerland. I can not imagine,
that any kind of rolling stock would have a problem taking the diverging route
through this turnout. Incredible.

The only other comparison I have are the Bachmann EZ TO’s (that I managed to
unload on eBay…). They looked like MCD “Happy Meal” toy’s in comparison, as
far as the points are concerned.

Now I really understand, why people like Peco TO’s. Unreal.
(Which, of course, makes it hard to even think about messing with that over-center spring. Darn! But I’ll make up my mind, don’t worry!) [:D]

The world seems like a brighter place, this morning.

9

I went from model power turnouts ( still use a couple ) to Peco, your right what a difference, I’ve not had a problem so far. I just switch them manually.

Ken.

10

I have Peco turnouts (less their springs) and tortoise and have been very happy with them. The only thing I over looked is that once you remove the springs you cannot use the turnouts without the tortoise motors installed as the points don’t stay locked to either course. It just meant I had to roll phase one - lay the points - into phase two - motorise them.

As I have electrofrogs, tortoise have been really great as they switch the frogs too. They are also easier to install than peco motors.

Go with it and don’t worry about the springs - they are really easy to get out and you can always keep them in case you change your mind (unless like me you’ve lost a few as they are springs!).

One thing to bear in mind is that peco motors with their sharp action can damage your points long term. One member of my group has had 2-3 code 75 points fail and he thinks it is due to peco motors and their really hard throw.

Kathy

11

Thanks for your words of encouragement, Kathy!
The Peco/Tortoise combo seems like a good way to go.
I’ll try to keep a hold of them springs… [;)]

12

i have about 80 peco point motors that i have put away… on my new layout i will be using SLOWMOTION point motors on the main line and for the sidings i use hand thrown points…i find the task of changing points more prototypical… peco point motors would be ok for hidden staging…i use peco code 75… shinohara and home made points.ps save the peco springs in film canisters…peter