I finally got a reply to the question about whether the RailCrew internal switches are SPTD or DPDT. As I mentioned in the previous post, the spec sheets refer to SPDTs but in the video they refer to DPDTs.
Randy Schnarr clarified that "The internal switches are in fact Single Pole Double Throw ....enough to power signals and frogs. The wiring scheme on the RailCrew Switch Machine is identical to Tortoise. The big difference is in the power to the motor. The Tortoise can be controlled by a SPDT (normally on in one of two positions), while the RailCrew is controlled by a DPDT momentary switch (supplied with unit) which controls power on/off and the polarity."
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I just discovered a discrepancy between the video of the switch machine and the spec sheet. In the video the developer Randy Schnarr refers quite clearly to there being "two double pole/double throw" switches in the mechanism. However, the spec sheet says "SPDT".
I'll send Jason an e-mail to get clarification.
Hi Jim:
If you go to the 9.00 minute mark on the video you will see the accessory power hook-up connector. I believe it allows you to connect both frog power and signals although Jim Bernier pointed out it is only single pole. I think the 'momentary' power is the power being applied to the switch motor only.
It looks to me like hooking up the frog power/signals is similar to the Tortoise. It's actually easier because there isn't any soldering or extra connectors required.
Here is the ad from the Rapido Train website. Scroll down past the video:
http://rapidotrains.com/railcrew.html
Since these switches don't have constant power does anyone know how you would wire LEDs to indicate the switch position? Just learned how to do it with Tortoises but I have a few switches that could benefit from these new machines.
Thanks - Jim
I agree the speed of the T/O is not a plus, however I have found that once the novelty of watching the slow speed switch machine has worn off, I never look at them much anyway. I think I will have to use tortoises on some places on the layout as well as there is not room for these Rail Crew ones right beside the track in all spots. I will at some point buy one to try it out though.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Yes, there are pluses and minuses.
When I factor in the cost of a working switch stand and the work involved in hooking it up to a turnout that is powered by a Tortoise I think they come out pretty close. I guess the importance of the difference between the SPDT switch on the RailCrew device and the DPDT switch on the tortoise will depend on the particular application. I haven't spent the time yet to figure which would suit my own applications better. I'm looking forward to seeing others' opinions.
The speed is a negative in my opinion even though it would likely save me from more than a few derailments.
Thanks for advancing the discussion.
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Brent:
I have already purchased all the Tortoises I will need for the layout. Now I'm thinking that I will put them back on eBay and go for the RailCrew switch stand units instead. Even though I paid a lot less for the Tortoises (used) I still have to buy switch stands so ultimately the cost works out to be about the same. I can live without the slow motion although I really like it.
Same thing with the uncouplers. I have a bunch of the Kadee electric uncouplers which were also bought cheap (again used). Before I sell those in favour of the RailCrew units I will play with hooking up an LED to spot them, although it would be far easier to just put something like a mile marker where the uncouplers are.
Dave, I saw those yesterday when I got the news letter. Those switch machines are just what I've been waiting for. The uncoupler is pretty neat as well.
Awesome
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
For those of you who have not yet seen Rapido's news letter, Jason is introducing two very interesting new products.
Take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJryNs_ptA&feature=youtu.be
EDIT:
I got a laugh out of the severely sagging coupler in the uncoupler demonstation. I guess that shows it will work with just about anything!