I’m in the process of laying track for a N-Scale layout. I have a box of older PL10 switch machines. I am wiring for DCC and feel these switch machines aren’t very good for under mounting and controlling with DCC. What are other peoples opinions of witch switch machine to use with these specific turnouts and DCC accessory decoders to control them? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
It all depends on what you wish to do.The PL-10’s are designed to fit to the turnout itself and are competent in thowing them reliably.However,you’ll need a CDU system as they need a good punch to operate flawlessly and you will have to carve a pit into your layout soil to accomodate them,wich you’ll have to find a way to hide when scenery time comes.They are the cheapest reliable option.
Now,if you intend to eventually power your frogs and/or install some sort of turnout position signal system,then the Tortoise is far ahead for it’s advantages.First,you dont see them,operate flawlessly,are quite silent,are easy to install,last almost forever and what’s best they provide you with two sets of NO/NC switches built in to operate such additional options.They indeed cost more initially but they end up justifying any penny considering what they can do and how they do it.If you go this option,you’ll have to remove the position retaining spring from your Peco turnouts.
Thanks for the reply.
The spring in the turnout is what concerned me as far as using other switch machines. Since the snap action of the switch machine solenoid coil tends to assist in “flipping” the turnout to a locked position. How does one remove these springs. Is it a relatively easy task?
“How does one remove these springs. Is it a relatively easy task?”
Yes it’s relatively easy. A pair of needle nose pliers and a small (jewelers) screwdriver are what you need. Take your turnout and flip it over, look for a retaining clip. Once found. flip turnout right side up you’ll see the tabs for the clip(they poke through the ties). Use the srewdriver to carefully pry up the tabs, then use the pliers to push the clip free. Then grasp the clip from the underside of the turnout and remove. Beware, the small spring will fly. Just take care, you can damage the turnout rendering it useless.
If you’re going to install an external operator, the internal spring (of the commercial turnouts)will of necessity need to be removed or otherwise disabled (otherwise why bother?). I dislike the vertical space requirement of the popular Tortoise motor, but otherwise the Tortoise is just too perfect as stated above. The two sets of contacts, in addition to powering the frog or whatever, are the gateway to all manner of idea implementia.