I need some help on how to wire by double crossover with Tortoise switches. I want the ability to “pair” the top left and bottom right tracks as well as the top right and bottom left to work simulaneously, but also to be able to work individually. Can this be done?
Why would you want to operate them individually? I mean, If one of the crossovers is in the “crossover” position, Wouldn’t the “straight” pair be kinda useless, anyway?
I operate my double crossover with one Tortoise. I don’t have a need for separate positions of the turnouts. I’m not a rivet counter so aesthetics don’t bother me. With one set in the crossover position the other set can’t pass traffic.
The single Tortoise switch machine has enough power to move all four sets of points easily. My double crossover has been working flawlessly for three years. Because I built my own crossover from Atlas Custom Line Turnouts it doesn’t need any special or complicated power switching.
The CORRECT arrangement (according to the LION) is to use two levers for this task, that is each lever enervates one pair of switch motors. This arrangement displays green lights to the route selected, and red lights to the opposing routings. By placing insulators on all eight rails, you apply the correct power to the interlocking plant for the movement that you will be making.
Actually, the LION does not bother to power the crossovers or the slip switches at all, this way him not need to figure out power logic. Trains of him have 48 wheel pickup and laugh at two foot long power gaps.