Finally installed my first tortoise

novicerr

Member since
March 2004
From: Central Texas
251 posts

Posted by novicerr on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 11:04 AM

Finally got brave and attempted my first tortoise. Looks like it is going to work just fine. Still need to do the final wiring (I did solder wires to tortoise, but will need to connect them to terminal block and run power to it) but test operation worked great. Someday I will get more done on the layout. HO scale by the way.

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AntonioFP45

Member since
December 2003
From: Good ol' USA
9,642 posts

Posted by AntonioFP45 on Saturday, August 16, 2008 11:49 PM

Way to go!

I'm hoping to use Peco Code 83 turnouts with the Tortoise switch machines. I've heard very positive comments about both products.

Do you have any photos that can be posted?

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

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Margaritaman

Member since
February 2008
From: Sunny SoCal
423 posts

Posted by Margaritaman on Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:16 AM

I'm glad they worked well for you. I tried two and they just didn't have the torque I was looking for so I went back to my old standby Switchmasters.

San Dimas Southern slideshow

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rogerhensley

Member since
June 2001
From: Anderson Indiana
1,301 posts

Posted by rogerhensley on Monday, August 18, 2008 6:50 AM

Perhaps you should try changing the throw wire to a heavier one. Worked for me. :-)

Roger Hensley
= ECI Railroad - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/eci/eci_new.html =
= Railroads of Madison County - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/ =

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AlreadyInUse

Member since
January 2008
From: Michigan
167 posts

Posted by AlreadyInUse on Monday, August 18, 2008 10:15 AM

AntonioFP45 wrote:

Way to go!
I'm hoping to use Peco Code 83 turnouts with the Tortoise switch machines. I've heard very positive comments about both products.
Do you have any photos that can be posted?

That's exactly what I've installed. Peco #5s, #6s, and #7 curved.

You'll need to remove the spring in the Peco turnout. Also don't forget to predrill the hole in your roadbed for the throwbar wire. My roadbed is spline and 1.125" thick. I drilled 3/8" holes and used a heavier gauge wire.

I also installed a Circuitron remote Tortoise adapter this weekend and it works great.

What are you looking for photos of?

You can never have too much glue

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novicerr

Member since
March 2004
From: Central Texas
251 posts

Posted by novicerr on Monday, August 18, 2008 11:23 AM

Some day I will get a digital camera to take some photos, but right now I dont have access to one. . Tried to install my second one, but it is not working properly. Will have to get some heavier throw wire I think. Might not have got it centered right, but think I do. More troubleshoooting today. Havent figured out where to get the heavier piano wire for sure yet. Will try my LHS, but it is about 15miles or so from here.