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Tortoise vs. Peco solenoid
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I have been using Tortoise machines ever since MR had an article that compared the lifetime performance of a number of switch machines. The MR conclusion was all other switch machines (at that time) were not even close. I think the article was in the mid-80's. <br /> <br />After moving to a new home in 1988, I replaced my capacitive discharge twin-coil switch machines (Kemtron, NJ International) with Tortoise. My railroad has had a monthly op. session since 1992 except for a two-year hiatus after moving again in 2001. Of the 40 Tortoises on my layout, only one has had to be replaced and one has had a failure of the internal micro-switch on one-side. On the latter, I just used the wiring on the second set of contacts. I power route through my switches as I don't like depending on point contact pressure. <br /> <br />Since I scratch build all of my switches and track, except for a hidden yard, the throw force has to be greater than ready-made switches. The only thing I do differently is use a stiffer throw wire than the one provided by Tortoise. <br /> <br />Needless to say, you cannot go wrong with a Tortoise. I cannot speak to the Peco switch as I have no experience with it.
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