Fitting point motors can make a real difference to a model railway by offering hands free operation of turnout direction – but which are the best? MARK CHIVERS assesses the options covering both solenoid and stall motor designs.
Remote operation of points (or turnouts – the terms can be used interchangeably) is an essential ingredient for reliable operating sessions with a variety of methods for achieving this, from wire-in-tube operation to slow-motion motorised units.
This issue’s Equipment Guide focuses on electrically-operated point motors encompassing solenoid and slow-action types. Solenoid motors incorporate two electromagnetic coils which fire a metal drive pin from one side of the mechanism to the other as a pulse of power is applied, while slow-action types employ a geared motor which slowly eases the drive pin across. Sometimes referred to as stall motors, they are usually continuously powered but stall out as they detect the turnout throw bar has reached the extent of its travel.
Solenoid quick-action motors can be mounted either above or below the baseboard, depending on the product, and even direct to the turnout. They are suited to points that have a spring within the switch mechanism as they are non-latching …
