turnout remote power? New layout

[Anonymous]

I am finaly getting my layout in N scale set, but have yet decided on what kind of switch power to use. They all seem to have some good points. as it stands now the Atlas basic machine would be implest then perhaps upgrading to under table later. I am using the Atlas custom line turnouts, and atlas flextrack.
Any pros or cons to this, or should better motors/machiens be put in from the start? I will be using the aux switches to controle layout and board lights. Thanks all who have responded to my other post.

[jrbernier]

fineart,

Bwe prepared for burned out switch machines! If you are going to use those plastic side-mount machines, you really need to invest in a 'capacitive discharge' unit so you do not burnout the motors.

If you are going to use powered switch machines, the best route is spend the money and buy the Tortoise under table motors - Once installed, they will last forever!

A low cost solution is to use the little Caboose Industries ground throws. Very reliable, no wiring, no 'burn out'!

Jim Bernier

[rrinker]

If you get a capacitor discharge supply like the Circuitron Snapper or the one from Miniatronics, or build yourself one (a good simple starter electronics project), then you should have no troubles with burned coils in the Atlas N scale turnouts. A number of years ago when I had an N scale layout, I burned a lot of coils. Then I built a CD supply to run them - no more burned coils.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input. I think the cd will do for now. i have herd that the tourtus motors are excellent in the motor dept., but the aux. switch contacts are not the best( based on earlyer post ). But at some point ill be going in that direction.