I was just on Proto:87 Stores website, www.proto87.com, and they have an interesting stall motor switch machine that they call the Mighty Mole. It lists for around $12.00 U.S. They also have them in packs of 6. I have not used one, and can not make a product recommendation, but it does seem like it is worth a look. It is somewhat smaller and may give a few more options than other stall motor machines as it can be mounted above or below the layout. It comes with SPST contacts and requires some assembly.
The one that Graffen suggested looks interesting as well.
This is what "most" people in Europe uses:
Switch-machine
Very cheap at under $9 each. If you buy 10 they only cost $6.25 each!
They have both polarity switch and end point switch.
I don´t know how much the shipping is, but it cant be that expensive.
Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:
My Railroad
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Graff´s channel
I'm reall looking for electric ones I can't get to all the turnouts all the time
Most of the guys I know with big "operations" layouts use Caboose hand throws--about $3 a piece.
Edit-Dang Elmer, you beat me to it.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
You could use Caboose Industries ground throws. They are manually operated and designed to look prototypical even though they are bigger than the real thing would be on a scale layout.
If you haven't heard of them before, try an Internet search.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I'm sure this has been beat to death but what is the cheapest best way to switch turnouts I have 25 turnouts but donwant to spend alot of $$ right now, is the a easer way than the tortoise I know it is probley the best but pricie.