Tortoise switch machines and how to use all contacts?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I only need 2 contacts (1 and 8) to use a tortoise, but what can I do with the other 6 contacts? Can someone please give me some examples.

2

I use one set to power route the frogs (so there are no dead spots in the track) and the other to light either panel lights or (later on) signals showing the aspect of the turnout. They could also be used to power route a spur track or siding… That is, only the aligned route is live.

Jeff

3

Signals showing the aspect of the turnout sounds interesting. What signals do you use for that? Maybe you can point me to a picture of them.

4

i know you love pictures so here ya go !

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/tortoise/signal-wiring.htm
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/tortoise/wiring-leds.htm

5

Are there any signals that can be used on a yard to see the position of the turnouts? The idea is to make the yard a little more interesting. I have heard of a signal type called dwarf but I don’t know how they are used.

6

Thanks a lot, appreciated.

7

The response from ereimer will have to do for now… I haven’t decided yet which signals to use… I’ll probably go with some version of a dwarf signal using a single 2 color LED… SImilar to these…
http://www.oregonrail.com/dwarf.gif

I originally wanted to use the operating Adlake type signals that the same company offers (or use to) but that can get very pricey unless I figure out how to build the signal heads myself…

Jeff
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