I'm starting to install some Tortoise machines under my layout but one turnout happens to be in a tight spot between another turnout machine and a cross-brace of my benchwork. So I'm looking for smaller slow-motion switch machine options for that turnout. I just discovered Walthers makes an under-table switch machine but I have no idea how large the mounting footprint is. Does anyone have this and can anyone measure the mounting footprint dimensions? It's #942-101 and looks like this:
On the Walthers website, the product page has a PDF download for the instruction manual. Scroll down to the blue box of product features, it's on the right. The first page gives the dimensions and a cutout template like the Tortoise instructions do. It looks like it's about the same size. https://www.walthers.com/walthers-control-system-switch-machine You might be better off making a bellcrank or pushrod system so your switch machine can be located away from the difficult geometry. Circuitron makes a Remote Mount system for this purpose, which might solve the problem you have: http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/INS/800-6100ins.pdf I've seen some photos online of people using it to avoid benchwork braces like you are trying to do.
If anyone is thinking about adding to or building a new layout think about "a different way" where you use moveable risers above the bench-work for the whole layout even flat areas. I don't have a single riser above the bench-work that can't be moved now or later under the track. More about it here... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/UP%20Canyon%20Division/page-114.html Also have a number of..... .... different ways to mount servos under or at a distance from a turnout here.... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Servo%20Control/Servo%20Control-Index.html Sumner
If you want DCC turnout control it looks like the Walthers might be hard to beat. I find it pretty amazing that the switch machine has a built in DCC decoder in the $20 price tag. It has lots of options besides that. Since I'm not interested in the DCC aspect at this time I'll use what I'm using but will keep and eye on reviews for it for some turnouts that I might want DCC controlled in the future. Metro if you go this route I'd like an update down the road a ways after you have used one or more of these. Sumner
yeah, I didn't even notice that. A DCC switch machine for 20 bucks is the deal of the century. Totally blows the tortoise out of the water. It looks like these support pushbutton control too, so you can have dual controls, remote control using DCC, and a physical control on the fascia as well. A pushbutton with LED indicators seems like a pretty slick setup. This could also be used for FreeMo modules that need controls on both sides.
