Tortoise point motor puzzle

[Stringfingerling]

I have a number of Tortoise point motors on my layout and they have all worked with total reliability . They are powered by an independent transformer and controlled by large switches which send the current to one side or the other and I’ve had no problems at all. On my recently added narrow gauge section I have just one turnout which is now also fitted with a Tortoise point motor. For  some unaccountable reason it will decide to respond in the opposite direction to the normal setting of the switch occasionally! I haven’t yet tried to investigate the wiring thoroughly because it involves quite a lot of disruption and lifting up of parts of the layout. It’s not really a problem because it all works perfectly ok just as it is even though the switch sometimes has to be thrown in the opposite direction. Does anyone have a clue what’s going on here?

[amdaley]

Have you tried swapping out the switch you are using to operate the tortoise ?

[Stringfingerling]

Have you tried swapping out the switch you are using to operate the tortoise ?

Thanks -  Not yet - I'll add that to the list of things to look into

[AndyID]

I don't have a Tortoise motor and I'm not familiar with the internal mechanism but my wild guess is that the mechanism is going "over the top" somehow. Bit like the way a rotating thing like a crankshaft can rotate in one direction and both pull and push a connecting rod.

 

Edit: It's not sure whether it's supposed to be coming or going

Edited June 21, 2018 by AndyID

[BrendanS]

Here are  some internal shots.  Pretty simple.  Not sure how it can go backwards unless the motor is bad.  The only thing controlling direction is the polarity.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwignuKB8-XbAhVD54MKHY-OCRgQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railroad-line.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic.asp%3FTOPIC_ID%3D39235&psig=AOvVaw2FXnNjxD7WUGb-82-KNUkN&ust=1529709472376260

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi4jqqT8uXbAhUCmoMKHS62Dz0QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vlaki.info%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php%3Ft%3D8691&psig=AOvVaw2FXnNjxD7WUGb-82-KNUkN&ust=1529709472376260

 

Brendan

[AndyID]

Thanks for those links Brendan.

 

And so much for my theory

 

I looks like it has to be electrical. The switch is the most likely culprit.

 

Andy

Edited June 22, 2018 by AndyID

[BR60103]

You haven't added it to the wiring after another direction switch, have you? Or through the frog polarity terminals?  (OK, just looking at wild theories.)

[Free At Last]

Quote

switches which send the current to one side or the other

 

 

Shouldn't they reverse the polarity on a tortoise?

[BrendanS]

You haven't added it to the wiring after another direction switch, have you? Or through the frog polarity terminals?  (OK, just looking at wild theories.)

 

That sounds promising.  He should be able to test that hypothesis by throwing all the other switches and seeing if the subject one moves.