I have a question for all those that have more knowledge on this topic than me. I have a question about switch motors and powering them. I will be using DCC on my layout, but I would like to have my switches operated by switches on my fascia. My questions are: How to power the switch machines? Which type of throws do I need (DPST ?)? Which type of "buttons" or "switches" should I buy (radio shack or LHS)? I will be using Peco code 80 in N scale. Thanks to all that reply! Jeff
The answer, og course is: "It depends" Will you be using a twin-coil (snap-action) switch machine such as the Peco or NJ internationsl, or the slow motion stall motor style such as Circuitron's Tortoise. In the first case, you will need AC or DC (perhaps with a capacitive discharge booster), whereas in the latter case, fixed DC is all that is required. Most DCC switch controllers can support either, and alo provide for local (fascia) control via a toggle or push button. I would suggest researching candidate switch machines and Digitrax on-line documentation for stationary decoders (including the DS54 and SE8c). Unless I wanted to do signaling, I'd go with the Tortoise driven by DS54s.
I must take exception with the above. I would change it to read, "Unless I plan to do signaling, I would go with the Tortoise, DC power, and a toggle switch." I say this because the original poster already indicated that he wants panel switches. If you have panel switches then you really don't need the extra cost and complexity of a Digitrax DS54 unless you need switch position information for a signaling system. David
I have a few Tortoise left over from an HO layout! Can I use those with Peco code 80 turnouts? That would be great if I could. Jeff
I use Tortoise with Peco code 75 HO, but I expect the code 80 N will have a similar mechanism. I took the overcentre spring out of the turnouts. If you don't, the standard wire with the Tortoise probably won't be stiff enough to move the points, and even if it is you'll lose the slow-motion effect. There is a photographic 'how to' on my website under "HO Trackwork"; checkout both the turnout and slip pictures as the N scale turnouts may use the 'HO slip' method of spring retention.
My bad. I took a gian leap and assumed that you also wanted to control the turnouts via DCC. I agree with ncng's recommendation. Also, if you use electrofrogs, you may want to consider modifications to the turnout frog and the tortoise switching contacts to minimize the possibility of shorts. see http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches_peco.htm and http://home.neo.rr.com/mrwithdcc/Tortoise.html
Your not bad. We just disagree. I have 7 DS54's that I use for my mainline turnouts but I only installed those because I have my mainline signaled. I don't have any DS54's on my branchline or yard. All the DS54 controlled switches can be controlled by pushbuttons on control panels or from the throttle but I never use the throttle method. It is just to much of a pain. A couple of people in my operating group like to use the throttles. I gave everyone a handout with the turnout numbers but they complained about having to look up the number. To solve that problem, I installed Details West scale switch machines on all the DS54 controlled turnouts. On each of the DW switch machines I put a small decal of the switch number. Now they don't have to look up the number. David
