Questions re: Track Feed and Tortoise Switches

It really comes down to the current rating of the switches for track power. If they'll handle the current (6 Amps in your case) you're good.

Tortoise machines are very reliable. We've had some on the layout for more than 15 years. As to triggering Tortoise motors, what we do at the club is use a 14VAC accessory tap with a pair of diodes -- one "forward" and one "backward" leading to two different wires (see first image below). One wire is on each side of the SPDT (no center off) switch, while the "common" lead of the switch goes out to the machine. The other lead on the machine is tied to the "common/ground" on the transformer. What this does is feed about 6.5 volts DC to the machine -- either "forward" or "backward" depending on which way the switch is thrown. Also, the Tortoise internal relay contacts can be used for power routing since it's usually just the frog/closure rails as opposed to a whole track block (I believe they can handle up to 10 Amps, but don't quote me on that).

We used 6 amp miniature SPST toggles for track power on all the sidings and engine tracks. Never been an issue.

We also used Tortoise and have yet to have any issues with any of the 30+ we used. We powered them with a12VDC wall wart we had in a drawer. A miniature DPDT throws the the switch and also changes the bi-color LEDs in the control panel without any diodes or dropping resistors. Green for normal, yellow for alternate route. 

It was all fairly easy, even for me, and has been trouble free so far.

Gentlemen:

Thank you.  This has been very helpful.

"(I believe they can handle up to 10 Amps, but don't quote me on that)"

But not for long.  Any derailment or temporary overload through the tortoise contacts will quickly burn them.  The Tortoise contacts are simply traces on the circuit board.  In every place where I used the Tortoise contacts to route track power, the contacts have failed.  While the Tortoise machines are bulletproof, the internal contacts should be used only for low current needs. 

Sorry, Matt, I guess I just quoted you on that.

Do I  have any concerns using the Tortoise to control my live frogs at each switch?  That is track power, but not section power?  

Thanks...

Use a relay to follow the Tortoise track contacts. Then you won't burn them out.