Creating a revetment for a World War II aircraft dispersal can add a realistic touch to a diorama. A revetment is a...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How can I best create a revetment for a World War II aircraft dispersal diorama ?Read more -
What is a headshunt and where would I install one on a layout ?Read moreA headshunt, also known as a head siding, is a short section of track that is used for storing and manoeuvring...
-
How can I add a curve to a Photo Etch part without damaging it?Read morePhoto-Etch, sometimes referred to as PE parts are thin brass parts that allow small or fine detail components to be...
-
What is DAS?Read moreDAS is an air-drying clay. When dry it can be sanded and painted. It is ideal for many model making applications...
-
How can I easily create gradient variations for my track?Read moreCreating gradient variations for a model railway track can add realism and interest to a layout. Here are a few ways...
How do you power solenoid point motors?
Solenoid turnout motors, or point motors as they are sometimes called, are powered by a 16v auxiliary power supply just like the one found on the back of many controllers.
All turnout motors will have instructions included specifying their rating and it's important to always check these first, but most solenoid motors will suggest a 16v AC supply as preferable.
Point motors will technically work from a 16v DC supply too, but many modellers prefer AC as it gives a stronger more reliable performance.
The important factor to take into account is how the power is delivered. A constant supply of power to a solenoid point motor will damage it. Therefore a passing contact switch should be used to supply just a short 'burst of power' and is more than capable of moving the point blades.
If operating multiple points simultaneously from a single power supply, as would be the case if your layout is wired for route setting, then a little power assistance may be required. This is done using a CDU (Capacitor Discharge Unit). These still work from the same 16v auxiliary power supply, but they store up the power, releasing it with a 'kick' when the switch is thrown.
Posted in: Power and control
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Wall Mounted Transformer 1 x 16v AC or 12v DC @...
Price: £ 25.00Wall Mounted Transformer - 1x 16v AC or
Side Mounted Turnout Motor
Price: £ 11.75Side Mounted Turnout Motor Clips directly into a Peco 00/H0 Setrack Turnout,...
Point Motor (Extended Pin)
Price: £ 9.25Extended Pin Turnout Motor (also referred to as a point motor) A versatile...
Related posts
-
Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory... - Is it difficult to fit a DCC decoder in to a DCC ready engine?In theory, it should be easy as the whole idea of being DCC Ready is to simplify the process. The first time I did...
- What is 7/0.2 wire?7/02 wire is a wire made of 7 strands of 0.2mm wire. Stranded wire has the advantage of being flexible while solid...
- Is an N Gauge controller compatible with OO Gauge?Yes, an N Gauge controller is compatible with OO gauge trains. You may have to change the power clip to the track...
- Is stranded wire better than solid wire?In my experience, stranded wire is preferable over solid wire. Stranded wire is more flexible than solid core wire,...