I recently installed my first two Tortoise switch machines to replace some that had been powered by Atlas undermount machines. I have been very happy with them. I just saw Factory Direct Hobbies is offering Blue Point switch controllers. At a glance, these look very similar to the Tortoise but at about 1/3 less price whether buying individually or in bulk. I know what I have with the Tortoise machines but if the Blue Points work as well, it seems they might be the better choice if I am going to replace a lot of my switch machines. I'd be interested in opinions from those who have used either or both.
I have one Tortoise, which works well, as well as four motorised ones from Rapido, a PFM/Fulgurex stall-motor machine, and 12 Blue Points. All of the turnouts in my staging yards (no scenery and no ballast) use the Caboose Industries ground throws, and all other turnouts on my layout have in-track springs, which allows manual (finger-tip) control. All of the electrical ones are powered by wall warts.
I can't fault any of them. If you get the Blue Point ones, I would suggest that you build the simple jig shown with the instructions, as it's a big help in getting the turnout machine in the proper position for optimal performance.
Wayne
I thought the Blue Point machine was "manual" and the Tortoise was electrically controlled.
If this is true, isn't this kind of apples-to-oranges?
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 I thought the Blue Point machine was "manual" and the Tortoise was electrically controlled. If this is true, isn't this kind of apples-to-oranges? -Kevin
Well, that's certainly good to know. That explains the price differential. I just assumed that since it looked so similar to the Tortoise, it worked the same way. On close inspection, it does have electrical contacts for the the frog and signals but the turnout control is manual.
New Rail Models 40018 BLUE POINT TURNOUT CONTROLR(1) (factorydirecthobbies.com)
I don’t own any Blue Point turnout controllers, but the website indicates that they are operated manually. There are electrical contacts on the controllers for power routing and signaling.
Rich
Edit Note: Oops, the OP beat me to it.
Alton Junction
I thought that John was aware that the Blue Point machines are manual.
Here are a couple beneath the partial upper level of my layout, with the piano wire used for activating them partially visible...
...and the fascia-mounted knobs (push/pull) for activating the points...
...and some more knobs used on the main level of the layout...
Accurate under-layout placement of the machine is crucial for reliable performance, and the jig, which I mentioned earlier, will make that process pretty simple.
SeeYou190I thought the Blue Point machine was "manual" and the Tortoise was electrically controlled. If this is true, isn't this kind of apples-to-oranges?
And then you need to purchase the flex link tubing, available seperately.
maxmanAnd then you need to purchase the flex link tubing, available seperately.
In many cases, it's not required, as you can use ordinary piano wire to actuate the turnout: one piece from the Blue Point device to the turnout's points, and another piece from the device to the layout's fascia.
The latter wire does not need to be at a direct 90º angle to the turnout. I had to offset some the control knobs on the fascia due to some under-layout framing, but in another case, used the framing to create an offset...
...but I couldn't get the contol knob and the Blue Point machine in the same frame, due to that offset...
I love Blue Points. Make of that what you will.(I can make a hat, or a crysanthemum, or a corsage, or a pterodactyl...)
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!