For those troubled by silly snap action:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6TJsz1hUxMc
See how easy it is.
(ps, note that the new replacement spring has long legs which you snip off after the installation. Replacing a spring that has been previously installed, and therefore already clipped off, may be a whole different ball game)
Hello All,
If you are going to use PECO side mounted solenoid turnout motor (PL-11) keep in mind the color coding on the PECOs differ from the Atlas solenoid motors.
The Atlas color coding is the poles are Red & Green and the neutral is Black.
PECO color coding is the poles are Red & Black and the neutral is GREEN!
Because of the high tension of the spring on the PECO turnouts, if the turnout and PL-11 turnout motor are both not securely attached to a solid base, the throwbar on the turnout motor will jump off the pin on the throwbar of the turout because the pin has a rounded top.
To secure this connection I tapped a 0-80 hole in the pin of the throwbar on the turnout.
I then used a 0-80 nut, bolt, and washer to fasten the pin to the throwbar of the turnout motor.
Hope this helps.
Length? Do you mean the diameter of the wire on the Tortoise. I use 0.039" piano wire. Plenty strong enough.
Rich
That is an important point.
When we were building Randy’s N scale NORFOLK SOUHERN layout with some Atlas and many Peco switch machines, the confusion was real.
-Kevin
Peco Code 83 springs come out and go back in intact, there’s no snipping anything. And I’ve done it to one of mine, completely fromt he top side, not lifting the turnout off the workbench, as if it were actually installed on a layout. It’s not as easy to put back in as it is if you cna pick the whole turnout up, but it can be done. And no snipping off - just save the old spring and put it back.
Maybe the Code 100 ones are different.
–Randy
Agreed. No snipping, at least on Peco Code 83 springs. One bit of advice. Whether you are removing springs from the turnout or putting them back on, only do it an enclosed room with no carpeting, just a bare wood or stone floor. [swg]
Rich
I’m just pointing out information in the video. Code 83 is used in the demonstration.
The video shows installation of a new spring, not just removal of the factory installed spring. There is a step shown where the excess spring length is snipped off.
Obviously Peco would snip the springs at the factory, assuming the replacement part is the same as the originally installed part, which it may not be of course. If you are removing or replacing the spring already there it will already have the short spring legs.
Would the same trick used with Kadee coupler springs work? Run a piece of thread through the spring to retain it, and then remove the thread once the spring is in place.
I’ve heard of that one before. SHould work. I just use the blade of a #2 knife to fit in the knuckle springs. Once both ends are hooked over the pegs, the blade can be withdrawn without popping the spring back off.
–Randy
When I moved my workbench out of the spare bedroom a few weeks ago, there was a spot behind the leg in the corner where I could never reach with a broom.
I inspected what had collected there hoping for some long lost treasures.
There were about 30 Kadee knuckle springs. Now I know where they all went.
-Kevin
Dunno, maybe, but I prefer a “panic room” with nothing in it, nothing, so I can find those darn runaway springs.
Rich