Semi slow acting point motors for £4!

[polo2k]

Hi all, not sure if this post is in the right place, but I thought you may all be interested:

http://www2.conrad-uk.com/goto.php?artikel=219998

these use a motor, driving a rock and pinion system, they include changeover switches for polarity control and will run off 12VDC-18VAC
I have used these before and while they aint a tortoise motor, they aint 20 quid either.

I discovered that they are assembled so intracately that they are not user serviceable so its worth adding a spare to your order.

[ReBeginner]

Please excuse me and my ignorance Mr Polo, but........ I'm just trying to find out what the Tortoise or similar are used for and why I might need them, or at least price the possible need - I'm beginning a new layout and am complete novice since a toy train for my son back in 1973.
Maybe you can help me?
Regards
David ReBeginner

[Malc]

 
Hi Ash,
I notice the same seller does the same motor for £5.99. Can you see a difference?

[Jerry Howlett]

Dave sorry if I am being to obvious but here goes
Point control:

The big finger from the sky being the first option!
Another cheap version is "wire in tube" which is just that a stiff wire buried in or under the baseboard that runs through some type of tube.
Point motors in general are exactly that a motor that is used to alter the direction of the points remotely.
There are several types available Peco ones are very common and can be mounted in a number of ways.
The Tortoise motors and the conrad ones are "slow action" and in my opinion more suited to the "Other"gauges.
However it depends on the pointwork you are using. If using Live frog points the peco motors require a polarity changing switch for best efficiency so other types become more cost effective.
The downside on the conrad motors are that you need (As far as I have been led to believe) to remove the spring from the peco point.
Anyway I am sure this posting will bring forth a multitude of opinions and corrections...

Jerry

[ReBeginner]

Thanks Jerry but ............. afraid I still don't understand why I should be using other than Peco motors, unless equally effective ones available for less (money) - just confused.
Why slower action? Is more realistic the answer? If so, I'd just like to get my track down before I do detail but find the plywood over the chipboard is warping so they can have that back and I'll use the insulation board I couldn't source, but now I have - worry not, when fitting point motors I intend to cut out insulation board (2 layers) and line with polythene glued so as to keep fibres away from moving parts, yes?
Again, thanks for response,
Regards
David

[Jerry Howlett]

If in doubt stick to the Peco ones, they are simple to install and reliable. I have them on most of my points.
I don't think in "N" that you woud notice a slow moving point.
I have installed all my Peco motors by cutting a hole out under the point and attaching the motor directly to the point. Others buy the motors with a long rod (oo er missus) these you simply drill a slot through the baseboard under the point and fix the motor underneath. This method is not as simple as the direct clip on idea but isn't that difficult.

You can always practice on a bit of spare board first.

Jerry

[ReBeginner]

Hi Jerry and again, thanks, I concur.