I’m working on installing the first Tortoise switch machine on my layout. I’m using Micro Engineering turnouts, and I’m wondering if I should remove the parts on the turnouts that hold the points in place for smoother operation. Do you think this is a good idea? Also, I’m using a Remote Mount for the Tortoise.
Try it both ways, and see which works best for you.
Generally, the Tortise works better without the toggle or points locking features of the turnouts because it is a stall type machine - always powered.
I would remove the toggle spring, especially if you want to use the Tortoise auxiliary switches to power the frogs of the ME turnouts. The spring could hold the points in contact too long, causing a “make-before-break” short through the Tortoise. (And I would recommend powering the frog through the Tortoise, so you aren’t dependent on point contact to power it.)
So long,
Andy
I only use Tortoises on my railroad and have used numerous brands of turnouts. If installed properly the point rails should be tight against the rail it is resting on. I recommend removing the contacts so the points cleanly rest against the rail. I have had the contacts foul the turnout, thus causing a derailment.
If you are worried about power routing then I suggest that you add additional wiring from the point to the solid rail. You can also use the auxillary contacts on the motor to assist with power routing. Just be careful if you are using DCC as the frogs have to be insulated or you will cause a short.
One other thing, I would recommend that you use color coded wire from the switch contacts to a terminal stripe or something similar before installation. This way you can use the auxillary contacts for LEDs in your panel, etc. and you won’t have to worry about trying to do this under the railroad at a later date.
Len
Good sugestion, I do one step better. I run cat5 cable to each switch machine and terminate it with a terminal strip (as noted above). Then it goes to the circuitry for controling the switch and panel leds.
I am in the same situation that you are right now. I am installing Peco Code 100 Insul Frog turnouts with the Tortoise as the switch machine. I have tried both ways, first with the toggle spring, and second without. When I leave the spring in place, I had to go with heavier piano type wire to move the points. With out the spring, it had a very realistic look to it and would run with the stock wire. However, for now I am leaving the springs in unless I have a problem. I would suggest wiring the points, and for DCC, use the jumper wires. Either way it is the best, smoothest, and most reliable switch machine on the market.
Good Luck
Justin