My CSX/NS HO Railroad Part 16B "Installing Tortoise Switch Machines"

[CSXandSpartanfan33]

Cool

[177987auprr1]

Nice vid! 

[mechanic708]

like to see the wabbit wired up cousin to the hare

[Silver1Sprg]

Really learned a lot from your videos. I'm using Peco switches. I assume you use the same? Is there a cheaper switch that works just as good? The big question is, using a DPDT switch with center off is your kind of switch for controlling the Tortoise machine. Can you use one with no center off switch? Leaving it in one position, will that eventually burn out your Tortoise with continued power in one position??? How can you use Tortoise to power LED lights to indicate position of switch?

[mandela901]

I like what you did. I would like to see how you solder your wires to the tortoise motor itself and see how you connect them to the terminal strip.

[Fastedzz]

Nice videos. I think I've watched every one you've done.

[TLMatt]

Love the video. I all makes finally !!!! sense. Excellent explained.

I live in a small town in Canada and a hobby shop is 4h away, so answers are not easy to come by. Could not do it without guys like you. I love you man (((-:

Thank you so much

[Doriguin]

I went to Home Depot and asked for 18 gauge stranded wire. They gave me a look of complete bafflement. Apparently, or so they tell me, the only 18 gauge wire they ever heard of was coiled telephone wire. Anyone with real experiance know where to get 18 gauge stranded? Thanks.

[flymanjg]

@Doriguin Radio Shack or Walmart in the automotive section.  They have it in Black or Red.

[cjc3000]

Thanks for posting this video. I have just purchased some Tortoise switch machines. The instruction sheet provided with the machines is not very in depth, your video cleared up any wiring issues for me.

[littleninjai]

@cjc3000 yeah my dad has the same problem not understanding the instruction sheet.

[mokanlines]

The piano wire worked! (it was actually .047) Thanks for the tip!

[mokanlines]

I know you said you didn't know the size of the wire and I know you are using Atlas turnouts. I am using Peko and Walthers turnouts and they have a spring built in. The Tortoise will not "flip" it with the included rod. I purchased some .040 piano wire to compensate. Will try it tomorrow. Maybe same as yours.

Question: I would like to post construction videos as well, what software do you use to do this?

Gracias.

[Rlopezinc]

Very good instructional video; I learned a lot.

[gpachoochoo14]

hello csx/ns where is part 16?? this is all parts really very amazing i loves u show how to do THANKS YOU MUCH KEEP GO THUMB UP!!!!

[MrWill12971]

Awesome videos!!!

[SuperFrecciaNera]

Super video!!!

Because the switch of the tortoise (at minuts 6:26) is left-off-right and not left-right?

Thank's

[foxrivermotorman]

Nice info but someone told me is that if you are running DCC and sound in your equipment is the DPDT is not ratted to handle it . Its onlt rated at .75 milliamps and DCC sound stuff runs more and can reck the internal wipper in the tortoise.

[Zebinator]

Great instructional video. Thanks! These are nice switch machines. I will say, I'm glad I don't need to power my frogs, I just don't have that extra time. Otherwise I would probably consider it. Nice work!

[swanman1975]

First off: why are you useing power routeing frogs? Would it not be much simpler to use insulfrogs?

second: If your paying that much for your tortoise machines then your getting raped!

I think that's the highest price I have seen them.

Other than that Kool videos. still showed me a few things I didn't know. Looks like you got a cool layout designed there.

[flymanjg]

Yeah, that one tortoise did cost a little more. Did not pay the listed price as my local hobby shop gives me a break. The rest of the tortoise switch machines were purchased as six packs so the price was a lot less.

All of my switches are Atlas which are insulated. The only reason I power the frogs is for reliability and to be able to run any type of locomotive with a short wheel base at a crawl (real sloooow).

[swanman1975]

OH!!!!! I SEE!

[TheJoePaul]

why DPDT momentary not needed ? is that also a benifit of having a tortoise switch,something built in, darn and I have already purchased all my under layout atlas switch machines

[flymanjg]

The Tortoise switch machines have two sets of DPDT switches built in. I use one set to power my turnout frog and the other to power my led signals. You need resistors on the led because of the high track voltage 14 + volts.

If you already have Atlas switch machines, you can buy Atlas#200 switch relays and connect then in line with you Atlas switch machines. These too have two DPDT switchs where you can power your frogs and power you signals. Hope this helps.

[jbrunsonjr]

I am learning so much watching your videos - I truly appreciate you taking the time to make these and post them up! You almost make me want to rip mine up and start over! : ) 5 stars as always!

[ferosrogue]

interesting precision.

[flymanjg]

Whats up big Al.

[joshdillon2003]

I am enjoying your videos!

[svinehunden]

great video...) can you change the tempo of the tortoise to go slower or faster?

[flymanjg]

yes, by lowering the DC Voltage the tortoise will run slower and quieter. I will run all of my Tortise's switch machines (9) with one Radio Shack 12v 500ma wall transformer. My other Tortoise switch machines (6) on main line are on the "Hare" dcc track power.