Twin Coil Switch Machines

[R. Vollmar]

Does anyone know where I can find Twin Coil Switch Machines of the style once available from Kemtron and then New Jersey International. They are twin coil machines with two single pole double throw accessory contacts and a third similar set for powering frogs. I have 50 or 60 of these on my layout and most of them are part of a matrices for controlling several switches at once. As they age the links attached to the armatures are starting to fail. I suspect it is from the shock they receive when they operate. R. Vollmar

[jkeaton]

You couldn't substitute Rix twin-coil switch machines?

Jim

[jkeaton]

A little Google search turned up an on-line hobby shop who claim to have NJ International twin coil switch machines in stock. Go to:

http://www.enginetender.com/525i.htm

Hope that's helpful

Jim

[R. Vollmar]

Jim: (jkeaton)
Thanks for both your suggestions. I haven't seen Rix Machines for as long as the others but I'll be on the lookout for them. I will contact the online hobby shop you suggested. Thanks for the search. R.Vollmar

[artnemes]

I just inherited about 10 Kemtrons and don't know how to link them to the turnout.  could you please send me a diagram.  For me their cheap Tortoises.  Also any inivative usages for the electrical contacts available.

Arthur

[EL PARRo]

Check ebay for them. I've got half a dozen KTM switch machines installed on my layout as well as a couple Tenshodo's waiting to be installed. I bought them all brand new off ebay. I also got a couple Rix switch machines as well, but I find them less reliable than the older ones.

I just inherited about 10 Kemtrons and don't know how to link them to the turnout.  could you please send me a diagram.  For me their cheap Tortoises.  Also any inivative usages for the electrical contacts available.

Arthur

 

Try using Rix mounts with them:

http://www.rixproducts.com/6280001.htm

or

http://www.rixproducts.com/6280005.htm

Obviously, they're made for Rix switch machines but they have mounting holes for other switch machines as well. The second one is what I use the most of since it has a lower profile, but the first one is a little easier to install.

 

[SleeperN06]

Check ebay for them. I've got half a dozen KTM switch machines installed on my layout as well as a couple Tenshodo's waiting to be installed. I bought them all brand new off ebay. I also got a couple Rix switch machines as well, but I find them less reliable than the older ones.

Try using Rix mounts with them:

http://www.rixproducts.com/6280001.htm

or

http://www.rixproducts.com/6280005.htm

Obviously, they're made for Rix switch machines but they have mounting holes for other switch machines as well. The second one is what I use the most of since it has a lower profile, but the first one is a little easier to install.

 

I'm really interested in the Rix Rax Flat under-layout mounting bracket from the http://www.rixproducts.com/6280005.htm that you posted. I unfortunately built my layout using 2x2's as a frame, not realizing the limitations it would cause me. I had to use the Atlas remote switches because I only have 1 ½" below the table and the Tortoise wouldn't fit because my layout is portable. I've never heard about Kemtrons or Rix Machines before. Would they fit within a 1 ½" depth? 

[tomikawaTT]

The KTM (Kemtron etc, made in Japan by Katsumi) machines are about 30mm thick, so they will easily fit within the 1.5 inch depth of a frame made with 2x2s.  The usual linkage employs a wishbone spring, which came with the machine.  A suitable substitute can be made by re-bending a small paper clip.

My own KTM machines employ a remote Anderson link, with the machine connected to one side by fishing line and a weight connected to the other side.  The weight holds the points in the 'normal' position, while the machine moves them to the reverse.  Since the whole system is under tension, I don't have to worry about using a wishbone spring to absorb compressive force between the machine and the Andy link.

I use the two big contacts and the machine frame to power my live frogs.  The other contacts are used for rail power routing (analog DC, MZL system.)  They can also be used for positive indication of turnout position, either with on-site signals or with panel indicators.

(I also use RIX machines the same way if I only need DPDT, not 3PDT, contacts.)

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[SleeperN06]

The KTM (Kemtron etc, made in Japan by Katsumi) machines are about 30mm thick, so they will easily fit within the 1.5 inch depth of a frame made with 2x2s.  The usual linkage employs a wishbone spring, which came with the machine.  A suitable substitute can be made by re-bending a small paper clip.

My own KTM machines employ a remote Anderson link, with the machine connected to one side by fishing line and a weight connected to the other side.  The weight holds the points in the 'normal' position, while the machine moves them to the reverse.  Since the whole system is under tension, I don't have to worry about using a wishbone spring to absorb compressive force between the machine and the Andy link.

I use the two big contacts and the machine frame to power my live frogs.  The other contacts are used for rail power routing (analog DC, MZL system.)  They can also be used for positive indication of turnout position, either with on-site signals or with panel indicators.

(I also use RIX machines the same way if I only need DPDT, not 3PDT, contacts.)

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

Thanks Chuck, great info, I'm going to keep this in my notes. I wish I had heard of these before. I could not find any specs on RIX and I'm still looking for good a place to buy KTM.

[EL PARRo]

I just measured the height of one of my KTM's with the Rix mount and it's 1 3/8" tall, so it should be good for 1 1/2" of space.