Tortoise switch machine

[Anonymous]

I am trying to wire around atlas code 83 custom-line turnouts using the tortoise switch machine.According to easy model railroad wiring it is wired the same way that a power-routing turnout is wired.I must be miss something because when it is wired this way it will short out the booster.

[Sperandeo]

Hello Harold,

Actually "Easy Model Railroad Wiring" says you don't have to wire around Atlas turnouts, because they have both branches live at all times, and both points are electrically continuous with their adjacent stock rails. I know this because I wrote the book!

You can use the SPDT contacts on the Tortoise motor to power the isolated frog of the Atlas Custom-Line code 83 turnout, but you have to attach the frog wire directly to the frog itself. If you attach it to either of the rails beyond the frog you'll have a short circuit as you describe.

It's very difficult to solder connections to the cast Atlas frog, so when I've done this I've used the tab on the frog to make a screw connection. Tap the hole with a 1-72 tap, screw in a 1-72 machine screw, and use the screw to secure the wire to the frog.

Good luck,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo, Editor
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine