As a newby I'm wondering what options I have to control my turnouts via DCC in N Scale. I've seen in HO that I could get some nice Peco turnouts and use the "turtle" to operate them but what options are available in "N"?
I've seen the Atlas switches with the rather large solenoid attached but I wanted to use Peco turnouts (I think) so would need some aftermarket stuff. Or, do I just use the Turtles for N as well?
The Tortoise switch machines can be used for N-scale turnouts. You just have to adjust the fulcrum bar to get the proper amount of throw.
Joe
There is one thing that you need to do to the Peco switches and that is to remove the points spring in order to use the Tortoise, other wise you get jerky operation if at all. Kinda defeats the purpose of a slow motion machine if you don't.
Do you want to control the switches with DCC as well? If you do, DCC Specialties makes a line of decoders that can be used directly with Tortoise machines.
My first post, just joined today. There is some interesting reading in some of the forums, think I'll stick around awhile. Happy Easter.
Don
Peco switches in N gauge use the same machine that the HO versions use. They also make a low current switch machine for use with stationery decoders like Digitrax's DS64 which has a builtin CD unit. I like having the ability to set up routes that can be initiated by pressing one or two buttons.
Yeah all the options out there make it difficult to choose. What i did with my n scale peco turnouts was, as stated before removing the over center spring so the switch points move smoothly back and forth. And yes i decided to go with the tortoise machine after all the good comments I've read about them and not to mention they are almost bullet proof. The switches and machine work perfectly together and i do control them via dcc. However, the music wire that comes with the tortoise kit is somewhat short especially if you have a thick roadbed or extruded foam for your layout base. But you can custom order you music wire from any local hardware store and its dirt cheap. By the way the ds64 from digitrax is an excellent way to control your switches just do a little homework and follow the installation instructions and you'll have a very reliable setup that will last a while.