How to install a Tortoise by Circuitron Switch Motor on a model railroad

How to install a Tortoise by Circuitron Switch Motor
Popp. David Popp. That's who we've got (Mr. Bond wasn't up to the task) to demonstrate how to position, align, and connect the Tortoise switch machines used with the turnouts of our N scale Canadian Canyons project layout. Don't miss his not-so-secret agent tips and techniques! Watch the video, then be sure to watch the series on Model Railroader Video Plus! mrv.trains.com/

[@jamescraft672]

I use SMAIL by Circuitron on my railroad. A SMAIL is a Tortoise that has a DCC decoder built into it. So mechanically it is exactly like a Tortoise, but the decoder allows you to control it through your DCC system. Each SMAIL decoder gets a unique address that can be used by the DCC controller to send it commands (like a locomotive, but a different address space). Also, the decoder can be programmed to perform the functions that would otherwise be performed by something like a Frog Juicer, i.e., the ability to detect an approaching train and realign as necessary. I haven't seen any videos that talk about using SMAILs, but I think they are a good alternative for people using DCC. To be honest, I never did a careful cost analysis to determine if the SMAIL saves money over, say, using a Tortoise plus a Frog Juicer. I'd be interested in getting a good review of SMAILs by the Video Plus staff. Finally, I would like to add to the comments of others by saying that I thought this series was the best one MRVP has done--it takes us through the process of building a railroad, from the bench work to the scenery. Very helpful for those of us in the process. Thanks!

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for detail video on install switch motor

[@ericrickert3045]

This was very good. I never understood the workings of these since I have 30 years old Bachmann track and those switches have solenoids (I think),

[@chromag33]

Very nice video! Informative and fun, good job. Thanks for the information.

[@82edje]

Hello, at 16:26 use nylon spacers to mount de PCB

[@satnammutneja195]

Thanks, I’m waiting for the next video about the wiring. When is it going to be out.

[@jamescraft672]

I wish I could turn my railroad up on edge so I didn't have to climb around beneath it when installing my SMAILs, etc. Since I'm using 2" foam instead of plywood as a sub-roadbed, I attach each SMAIL to a small piece of MDF (drilling holes to accommodate the mechanical and electrical connections), then hot-gluing the MDF to the foam. I also do as much of the SMAIL wiring as I can at the work bench to minimize time beneath the layout.

[@ajwillett7302]

Love these kids of videos! Keep them coming!

[@marksawyer5299]

If you are not a subscriber to MRR Video plus..You missed the entire build of this N-scale layout. It's an amazing series!

[@LittlePwnageMusicFan]

Yeah. But the original MRR website isn't secure.

[@RotalHenricsson]

I arrived here browsing tortoise and turtle videos. I am thouroughly confused.

[@trickywho7463]

Wait until he starts talking about frogs 🐸 it’s around 14:00 😜

[@davidorlando69Mach1]

Can you provide details on the lighted push button switches. Where can they be purchased?

[@johnmcdermott6220]

Great Videos, question, where did you purchase the lighted push button LEDs?

[@MoosesWorkshop]

Great video! I will be using a frog juicer on my Peco frogs as well.
Still deciding on what DCC turnout control to use that is compatible with my MRC. Any ideas???

[@codecage9333]

Where is the video on the remote tortoise mount? Oops! Found it. But it isn't free. It's a hobby. Share the joy instead of making money and deriving the less fortunate from enjoying!