Thanks all, the LINKAGE I saw was a dummy to look like the prototype.
The twin Tortoise's are woking perfect for this application. Had to ask, gald I did.
You have it right.As Tom Diehl wisely stated,a double slip has four throw combinations that can't be done with a single Tortoise (or a twin coil motor).First,entering the DS,you have to select the proper throw to allow the train in then you have to select the proper throw to direct it where you want it to go,meaning that only two independently thrown turnouts can achieve it.
I have one (Peco) that I plan to install on my layout and I've spent some time studying its dynamics and have come up with two possible ways to operate it.The simpler wiring is having two separate SPDT,each throwing a Tortoise,in wich case both switches have to be moved every time the DS is used.The other way is using two momentary DPDT switches,one wired in parallel with the two motors to throw them in the same direction for "going by" the DS while the other DPDT will have the circuits crossed to throw the motors opposite for "going across" the DS.There are drawbacks to these solutions however.While you'd need momentary swiches only if you're using twin coil motors for the first option,momentary switches are mandatory for the second option since both can't be thrown at the same time without shorting the system,even with Tortoise's.This would mean that either switch would need to be held for a second or two,the time the Tortoise completes its move,unless latching relays are added in between to hold the power to the Tortoise's.I won't have this problem for my setup as I'll be using twin coils.
The Walthers 800-6100 and 800-6101 stated above are special mounts for Tortoise's,not special linkages allowing multiple TO's to be thrown by one Tortoise.However,I believe that a clever modeler could engineer some neat device to throw two TO's for a single crossover (proven by the drawing above),I don't see how such a device could apply to a double-slip.As far as having a double crossover thrown by such,while theoretically possible,the amount of energy needed and the complexity of the linkage system for reliable operation makes this option quite questionable,in my mind.
TomDiehl wrote:All the double slip switches I've seen use two switch machines. Each machine is operating 4 points (2 pair) a set on each end, because of the complexity of the switch. You can't operate them with one machine and still keep the option of going out in either direction, which is the purpose of the double slip switch. It's easy to see how they got the nickname "puzzle switch."
That is what I saw when I hooked up the (2) Tortoise's What started this was a picture of an on table throw bar that connected to both throwbars. I need to find that and look again it was probably a dummy linkage and this DUMMY fell for it!
You are correct.
After hooking up the (2) tortoise I do not understand how you could do it with one BUT that is me.
George,
I'm confused....I thought you were looking to find some of these? Am I wrong?
Don Z.
Research; it's not just for geeks.
Brian,
Are you referring to Walthers part # 800-6101? According to the catalog, that part is used "For crossovers & Double Slip Switches. Extra cable and Actuator may be used with Remote Tortoise Mount (#800-6100) to allow two sets of points to be thrown simultaneously by one Tortoise".
My LHS is The Collectible Caboose, located in Cedar Park, TX. Their phone # is 512-259-9494. Call and ask for Craig. He'll be happy to help you out.
ShadowNix wrote: Don, What hobby shop... I need them... Brian
Don,
What hobby shop... I need them...
Brian
I just installed Twin Tortoise, BUT will change them out.
Are you looking to find one? My LHS has them in stock. I'm using some #6 double-slips on my layout and plan to use the linkage to throw mine.