How many turtles = one X?

[Anonymous]

I will be using Tortise switches on my HO layout. I will have a custom double crossover made with Atlas #6 Custom Line TOs. See trackplan, http://members.cox.net/dbhuff/dsrr/.

I would like to link the Tortoise so that all four TO's are set to go straight through and when switched all TO's would be set to the divergence?

In a previous post Nigel told me that it possible to use 1 Tortise to control all 4 turnouts and suggested I contact Comrail as they do this and have designed the required linkage. I e-mailed Comrail on 12-8-03 with no response to date.

Does anyone know how to use 1 switch to power all four TOs?
If so, do you have photos and/or diagrams?

[Anonymous]

I've done it but not with Tortoise. I used model aircraft rods, clevices, ball joints and control arms. Just think pivot points. Your local Hobby shop if they are into RC aircraft should be able to give direction.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Fergie for the tip. I used to do R/C planes 35-40 yrs ago and hadn't thought about using the linkage form an R/C.

[nfmisso]

It uses linkages and bell cranks, but I do not believe that they were R/C stuff, just items that someone put together.

[CBQ_Guy]

There was an article with pics on doing exactly what you want a couple or more years back in, I believe it was MR but not sure.

Try doing a search on the magazine database they have to find out for sure.

[Anonymous]

CBQ_Guy, Thanks for the tip.

I did a search of back issues and found a few recent articles that might be what I am looking for. I e-mailed Trains.com support and asked if I could get copies of the articles.

I'll post their response when I get it.