I know peco N scale switches have a built in spring, so you don't need an external device to throw the points. Is the same true of their HO turnouts? Or will I need ground throws?
JJF
Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing.
Yesterday is History.
Tomorrow is a Mystery.
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I am specifically curious about their code 100 settrack line, BTW
This is a Peco code 100 turnout.
The tiny wire is the spring.
Mel Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951B03%2BS.jpgMy Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Thanks Mel.
As long as the turnout is within easy reach, you can flip the points manually. If the turnout is not readily within reach, you will need some sort of remote control.
For some such devices, such as a Tortoise, the spring apparently needs to be removed, as the machine cannot overcome the spring's resistance. I believe that this applies to most other electrically-powered switch machines, too, although a manually-activated Blue Point switch machine should be able to easily overcome the built-in spring. I have them on most of my hard-to-reach turnouts, and am very satisfied with their performance.
Wayne
I use Peco code 83s. They are sprung. And the spring seems pretty high tension to me, strong.
Just corroberating what Wayne has stated he has read. I can say from personal experience that the code 83s require a strong throw.
I would assume the code 100s are not any weaker, but that is just my assumption.
- Douglas
Hello All,
I use a mix of Atlas and PECO code 100 turnouts on my HO layout, all with remote switch machines.
Some are paired together so one controller activates both turnout switch machines on the crossovers, sidings, and wye.
I only pair Atlas with Atlas and PECO with PECO. Both use solenoid-type actuators.
The points on the Atlas turnouts are held in place by the turnout switch machines.
As has been posted the PECOs have a spring that holds the points in place.
The force needed by the PECO PL-11 side mounted turnout motor is significant to overcome the tension of the spring. To the extent that I needed to install PL-35 Capacitor Discharge Units.
Another problem with the PECO turnouts I have is the top of the throw bar linkage pin is rounded.
If the turnout motor is not securely fastened to the layout base, when activated, the link from the turnout motor will jump over the throw bar linkage.
To solve this I drilled and tapped a hole in the throw bar, installed a 0-80 x 1/4-inch machine screw with a #0 flat washer on top, and secured it with a nut on the bottom.
Now when the turnout motor(s) are thrown the linkage does not separate from the force needed to overcome the tension of the spring.
When using a slow-motion Tortoise type turnout motor it is recommended the springs be removed on the PECO turnouts.
I have no experience with servo-type turnout motors.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Yes, Peco code 83 has a spring. My experience has been that a Tortoise will require a larger wire, 0.032" I think, to drive against the spring, or remove the spring.
I think if I was to build a new layout I would finger flick the points and only use motors where reach is an issue. Then I would use Peco motors mounted under the roadbed.
bagal Yes, Peco code 83 has a spring. My experience has been that a Tortoise will require a larger wire, 0.032" I think, to drive against the spring, or remove the spring. I think if I was to build a new layout I would finger flick the points and only use motors where reach is an issue. Then I would use Peco motors mounted under the roadbed.
Rich
Alton Junction
bagalI think if I was to build a new layout I would finger flick the points and only use motors where reach is an issue. Then I would use Peco motors mounted under the roadbed.
That's what I'm doing. It's enough work and wiring to build a sizable layout. Plus if you have a control panel, you have to translate the diagram to the layout and try not to throw the wrong switch. If you eliminate that fancy control panel, you just reach and throw. Fewer mistakes throwing switches.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
riogrande5761 bagal I think if I was to build a new layout I would finger flick the points and only use motors where reach is an issue. Then I would use Peco motors mounted under the roadbed. That's what I'm doing. It's enough work and wiring to build a sizable layout. Plus if you have a control panel, you have to translate the diagram to the layout and try not to throw the wrong switch. If you eliminate that fancy control panel, you just reach and throw. Fewer mistakes throwing switches.
bagal I think if I was to build a new layout I would finger flick the points and only use motors where reach is an issue. Then I would use Peco motors mounted under the roadbed.