General Discussion (Model Railroader)

I am preparing to install my PECO N scale swithes and use the curcitron switch system to operate them. The switches snap into place, which I like , but am concerned that the toirtise machine will not have enough power to over come the needed force to snap the point into place.

 Can anyone tell me if I have a legitimate concern or not?

 A Tortoise will throw those Peco switches but the supplied wire will need to be replaced with a heavier piece of piano wire to overcome the overcenter spring on the PECO turnout. This also meand opening up the holes on the fulcrum and the pivot. I believe I used .036 wire but don't hold me to that.

I've done a few with heavier wire because the track was already laid and ballasted. On new construction I just remove the PECO overcenter spring and use the supplied tortoise wire.

removing the spring is the best method. Tortoise has plenty of holding power so the points will stay in position against the stock rails. The heavier wire method places extra strain on the turnout so it need to be well fastened to the roadbed.

Martin Myers

Thank you for this information. Because they are all new yet to be installed turnouts, the idea of removing the spring in the turnout itself sounds like the best way to go.

Thanks again 

I've done both - with the wire and without.  I'm not sure I have a preference, but 0.032 wire snaps just fine.

-Tom