Reverse loop with PSX-AR

The tortoise switch is actually a "Tortoise slow motion switch machine"

It is used to remotely move a throw bar on a switch (turnout).

Original American Flyer switches do not have these throw bars.

However Gargraves now offers a switch that is almost identical to the original Flyer switch. It does have the throw arm.

So maybe you will need to buy a new switch to use the tortoise machine to enable you to use the reverse loop mechanism.

Ain't trains fun?

Mark

Thanks a million.

Someone at Gargraves tells me I need 402/403 manual switches, but adds that they  have not tested the new S-Gauge switch design with a Tortoise Switch Machine. They are unsure as to whether it would have enough torque to throw it with PSX-AR.

Anyone have thoughts or experience with this ?

Thank you.

Noel,

You can change out the actuating wire on the Tortoise to a much stiffer wire gauge.  I find .039” and .045” piano wire at my local hardware store.  I think you will find the Tortoise has the power and that the wire is the weak link.

I don’t know what it takes to throw the Gargraves, though.  You might want to try on before you make the commitment.  I’m also not familiar with the PSX-AR either.  It is a track trip, sensor or a relay?  There might be more than one way to accomplish what you are after.

On a curious note; you are using DCC and Flyer track?  Interesting combination…

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

"I don’t know what it takes to throw the Gargraves, though."

On our train club's modular layout we used some of the prior versions of the Gargraves S gauge switch. We operate them easily with the Tortoise machines and yes it is a must to make the throw arm wire a heavier, stiffer gauge wire as Tom suggested.

The turnout shown in the second post has a throw arm with a hole in it. The other end has a manual throw lever to move the points. I have not used this updated version of turnout yet but the throw arm and throw lever look a lot like the earlier version.If I remember correctly you need to remove the manual throw lever. Use the hole in the right side of the throw arm for the wire from the Tortoise machine.

Compare the earlier version (RH turnout):

with the new version (LH turnout):

It sure looks like they have used the same throw arm in the new switch.

However you do it the Tortoise machine WILL throw the turnout.

I'm guessing the PSX-AR just activates the Tortoise machine.

Mark

So is this for Noel53 or Leon B?

Anyway, I don’t see why you can’t use your Flyer switches.  It would take removing the throwbar from the swiveling part – (frog?) and the spring loaded thingy that holds it in place.  Unscrewing the throwbar would also give you a hole for the Tortoise actuating wire in the swiveling thing.

On the other hand, if you are after automatic control of American Flyer trains, you might want to explore the YouTube presentations of James R. Ingram.  There are quite a few of them… I guess here is a good place to start:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of3caozRyhI&list=PL76E00859AD754CDD

He is with the Susquehanna S Gaugers.  They use all Flyer track and Flyer switches and do some pretty cool stuff.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

"Anyway, I don’t see why you can’t use your Flyer switches.  It would take removing the throw bar from the swiveling part – (frog?) and the spring loaded thingy that holds it in place.  Unscrewing the throw bar would also give you a hole for the Tortoise actuating wire in the swiveling thing."

Tom, I agree. Looking at a pic of a Flyer manual switch it looks like if you disassemble the switch and remove the factory throw arm assembly you are left with the moving Points piece that now will have a hole in it near the wide end.

More than likely if there is a sheet metal bottom on the turnout you would have to either remove it permanently or cut a slot in it to allow the Tortoise switch machine throw rod to move side to side. I would think this is the cheapest solution to Noel53's original post.

Here's a pic of a manual switch...you can see the hole in the left end of the moving points.

Mark

Thank you all.

Tom: Noel and Leon are me and myself... same person.

I run AC and Flyer track.

Look up   http://www.tonystrains.com/pro...s/dccspecialties.htm

I am trying to use PSX-AR Auto Reverser to set up a reverse loop.

I was told that combining a turtoise switch with PSX-AR would do the trick.

Is that possible ?

Please excuse my illiteracy in electricity.

Noel,

I tried to post a reply to this but the images from the AC Gilbert manual wouldn't copy.  I took the liberty of sending them to you listed email.

If you are running AC Flyer with Flyer track, I really don't think you need anything as complicated as a PSX-AR and Tortoiose Switch Machine. 

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Thanks, Tom. I did receive your post in my email.

I did try some time ago to set up a reverse loop with Flyer 695 Reverse Loop Relay. Alas, could not get it to operate properly, would not flip the switch.

That's why I turned to PSX-AR from DCCS Specialties, where I was told I needed a turtoise switch.

Sorry to bother you again.

Hi Noel,

The problem might have been with the 695 relay.  I have no experience with it so I really can’t say.  Have you tried the reverse loop using a DPDT switch as described in the ACG manual?  That works.

Am I correct in assuming your goal is to have the reverse loop totally automatic?  That is, having the polarity switched as well as the turnout thrown all without your have to do anything?

I have glanced at a 14 page instruction booklet for the PSX-AR:

http://dccspecialties.com/products/pdf/man_psxar.pdf

I saw that it can throw a twin coil switch machine or a stall motor style switch machine (as a Tortoise is).  I didn’t see the output power for the twin coil… if it is enough and AC, it could be used to throw the Flyer switch.  More importantly for hands free operation, I didn’t see what tells the PSX-AR to do its job.  Also no information for AC usage… Try calling Tony’s:

<cite>www.tonystrains.com</cite>

Have you looked at the YouTube videos of the Susquehanna S Gaugers and their automated layout control?

Good luck, let us know how you do.

Tom Stoltz

in Maine