Description
The Circuitron 6000 Tortoise Slow-Motion Switch Machine is the industry-standard under-table stall-motor switch machine — the gold standard for prototype-realistic turnout control since the 1980s.
What it does: Drives the turnout points slowly and smoothly (~3 seconds for a full throw) and then stalls at the end of travel, applying gentle constant pressure to keep the points firmly held — exactly like a prototype switch machine. No coil burnout, no buzz, no snap action. The 2-wire connection takes reversible DC — flip the polarity to flip the points.
- Type: Slow-motion stall-motor switch machine (single)
- Throw time: ~3 seconds full travel (prototype-like)
- Drive: Precision gear drive — silent, smooth, repeatable
- Mounting: Under-table — use drilling template (6190) for quick installs
- Power: 9–16 V DC (reverse polarity to throw the other way)
- Auxiliary contacts: Two sets of SPDT contacts (for frog polarity, panel LEDs, signal logic, etc.)
- Wiring: 2-wire connection possible (just motor + reverse polarity)
- Compatible with: Any standard turnout — Atlas, Peco, Walthers, Micro Engineering, Shinohara, Walthers Code 83 / 70, hand-laid
- Circuitron SKU: 6000 (Walthers 800-6000)
Tip: Pair with a ZipZ (6601 / 6606) for solderless wiring and a drilling template (6190) for clean installs. For DCC accessory-decoder control without an external Switch-It, step up to the SMAIL (6200) — same machine with a built-in DCC decoder. The 6-pack (6006) and 12-pack (6012) offer significant savings if you have more than a few turnouts.
About Circuitron: A USA-made model-railroad electronics specialist (Maryville, Illinois) founded in the 1970s. Famous for the industry-standard Tortoise slow-motion under-table switch machine and its surface-mount cousin the SMAIL. The full range covers detection (block detectors, Opto-Sensor grade-crossing logic), automation (auto-reversers, external relays, twin-coil alternators), signal / lighting electronics (alternating flashers, ditch-light oscillators, strobe drivers), power supplies, and a complete set of Tortoise / SMAIL replacement parts plus the solderless ZipZ connection system. Most circuits work with AC, DC, or DCC track power unless specifically noted otherwise.
In stock at Oakville Model Trains Depot.