Circuitron Inc.
'Tortoise' turnout machines
Circuitron Inc have developed what must be the very best machine, for the slooooow operation of turnouts, ever. Indeed, if so desired, a 3-5 second throw is possible!!
The machine, aptly named 'Tortoise', due to its inherent ability to run (crawl??) slowly, can be used for applications where the user needs a slow acting pendulum-like motion. Ideally, and, indeed, what the designer had in mind when the idea was conceived, the machine is best used as a turnout-operating device. However; what about crossing gates, wig-wag signs, signal arms, loading cranes, swivel bridges, lifting bridges....?? Any others?
The Tortoise is designed to receive constant power to its motor during an operating session. This is perfectly safe, as this is part of the design. The motor 'stalls' at around 14-15 milliamps. We have never had one run hot. (Even after having been away on vacation for 2 weeks, inadvertently leaving several Tortoises connected to their power supply the whole time.....) Whilst actually 'crawling', the motor clocks up 4-6 milliamps.
Your electricity bill is not likely to be affected by using the Tortoise, either! We know of a layout in Norway that is equipped with about 50 machines, which receive their operating power from an 8 volt DC plug-in transformer, rated at 800 milliamps. (The owner uses this method as he runs Märklin trains, which run on AC, and he didn't have a better way of obtaining a source of DC.) These Tortoises have been powered in this way for the last 5 years of operation without supply problems and without the plug-in transformer over-heating.
Circuitron markets an innovative piece of equipment that enables you to operate more than one switch using only one Tortoise motor. This renders the previously-available linkage drawing that was available from SLVF redundant.
Pages and pages have been written about the Tortoise turnout machine. For sure, the only way that YOU are ever going to find out for yourself how good the thing is, is by trying one out on your own layout.
We'll send one to you: price $16.95, or 18.85 Euros, or £11.70, whichever you prefer....... post free to your address. Please see our terms for payment details.
Our guess is that you will be more than absolutely happy with the Tortoise machine!!!.
