Double Trouble?

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to wire two Tortoise switch machines together so when I throw the toggle switch, they both activate at the same time? I thought I saw an article in MR about this, but can't remember what issue. If you could tell me how to wire it, it would be a great help. Thanx!

[cacole]

Yes, it's entirely possible and I have done it many times -- just wire them in parallel; i.e., run your wiring from the toggle switch on your control panel to the first Tortoise, and then continue on to the next Tortoise, or run a separate pair of wires to each one. You will be doubling the amperage draw but not the voltage to the machines, so your resistors will need to be changed accordingly. A general rule of thumb would be to halve the resistor value.

[johncolley]

Yes! This is the ideal way to operate a crossover. On the panel schematic put the switch ( I prefer lighted push button actuators) between the parallel tracks where the crossover is. That way you accomplish actuating both turnouts simultaneously and you have an indication which way the crossover is set. When there are two separate switches, I have seen (done?) many cases where only one turnout of a crossover is thrown ... OOPS! Not only do you get yelled at by the dispatcher, if there is another train it can ruin your whole day, eh?

[Don Gibson]

TROUBLE?, No. You can wire AS MANY together (called routing) as your power source will handle and your layout calls for.