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Installing a Tortoise Switch Machine

Malcolm sent in this short article:

tortoise switch machineA tortoise switch machine is a DC device used for controlling turnouts. Their precision, due to their slow speed, makes them ideal for use in a model railroad.

  1. Bend the spring wire at an angle of 15o and 80 o at two points. The distance between the points must be three-fourth of an inch.
  2. Place the fulcrum onto the rails.
  3. Mount the machine on a wooden template, and attach it onto the fulcrum using adhesive.
  4. Fix the spring wire through the fulcrum such that the bent side is inserted into the throw arm.
  5. Connect the machine to power.

One Response to Installing a Tortoise Switch Machine

  • Finn Sartor says:

    Aren’t there Tortois point motors made for DCC as well?
    I belive I have seen someone using them on a DCC layout with DCC controlled pointmotors.
    Regards Finn

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