Question about Tortoise Slow motion switches

[Zwibby]

Hello everyone, I am hoping someone here can give me some information about a box of Tortoise Slow Motion Switch Machines #800-6000 that someone brought to my store for us to consign on Ebay.

I am trying to figure out exactly what they are for or what they do. I am sure I can list them for just what they are, but just for my knowledge, I would like to know exactly what they are for and what they do. Thanks so much, in advance for any info and I apologize if I am in the wrong forum category for this question as I'm not sure as to where to post this question. Thank you again,
Angela

[tworail]

Hi Zwibby,

They are slow motion switch machines used for model railroads. You would take them and place them underneath your train layout (called benchwork or a baseboard) so they are hidden from view. With some simple switches and an electrical feed they can be made to work. This particular product does as it's name - moves switch points in a slow and realistic fashion - much like how real world switches operate.

Does this clarify things any?

[Zwibby]

Hi tworail, Thanks for the info, but, what exactly are the switches for? I'm sorry if I seem a little slow here :) But, I'm wondering what they do or why exactly you would put them on your set. On the Circuitron website it said
"ideal for Grade Crossing Gates" so I'm guessing maybe they are used to make the gates go up and down??

Thanks again!!!

[tworail]

A turnout is used to divert tracks from one place to another:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railroad_switch

See wikipedia :)

The tortoise machine is the device that moves the turnout points from one side to another.

[T-Man]

http://www.trains.com/MRR/default.aspx?c=a&id=870

This a good article, the switch can be used for any scale and would be used for the advanced hobbyists with a layout on a table he can drill through! :laugh:

Switches can be fragile because the electromagnets burn up if used too long. This saves the switch for reuse as remote and not another manual one.

[Zwibby]

I got it now :) Thanks so much for taking the time to explain it to me. I was able to list and put them up for sale just by knowing what they were called and by looking at other auctions, but, for my own curiosity I wanted to know exactly what they did.
I don't have any model trains or know anything about them other than I like looking at them and loved seeing some of your photos in the other forums. Some of them are amazing!

Thank you again for your kindness. Angela

[T-Man]

I am flattered. :rolleyes: Then again, TwoRail did most of the explaining.

I wonder, what pictures?:ohwell:

[tworail]

I think probably she was viewing the gallery.. of which there is quite a variety of pics there :)