Gaugemaster Point Motors

[GNRi1959]

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=GMC-BPPM10

These point motors from Gaugemaster seem to be real good value, has anyone tried them and how do they compare to Peco brand.

[waffles]

I find them quite good very little to go wrong with then

[GNRi1959]

Any noise................

[leslie10646]

Personally, I use Peco motors and being lazy, the above board variety.

I have used the "hidden" variety in the past and found them quite a pain, as you either had to cut a hole in the baseboard to attach it directly to the point, or use the fixing plate Peco make. I note that this motor fixes directly to the underside of the board, so that you only have to drill a slot for the actuation rod - certainly better than the Peco offering.

You ask about noise - they'll make a distinct crack as the solenoid acts - it has its advantages - you know that it has worked!

More important is how much current it needs to actuate - Peco is notorious for needing quite a bit of electrical muscle.

I know this to my cost as I've just spent the Big Freeze (and before) setting up ten points to work remotely via a Digitrax DS64 control unit - claimed to be plug and play - not nearly as simple as that - you don't get sufficient power off the Track Bus to work Peco points, so each DS64 needs its own power supply (not too expensive as Coastal DCC provided me with a neat unit for a tenner (Sterling!)). You're still not there, as you then need to connect up the Loconet  from your main controller - that, honestly, proved very simple.

At the end of it, I have those ten points working off my hand-held wireless controller and it's a great boon and worth the rather steep learning curve!

Anyway "GNR", when you try these motors, share your experience as I've still got more than a dozen points to motorise and I'm almost out of my supply of Peco stuff!

Good luck!

Edited March 3, 2018 by leslie10646

[GNRi1959]

Leslie, interesting to hear your comments and experiences.

In the past I've always used Peco fitted under the baseboard with the adapter and extension pin. That was back in the mid-1980s. I've often wondered if Peco would have improved upon them since that. I've seen the Gaugemaster point motors advertised for a Pack of 5 @£10 which is well worth the gamble, and they do not require soldering the connections. 

I like the idea of surface mounting - I can hide at least five points in conveniently placed linseed huts, water towers and signal boxes!

Last year I was able to work points with a wire and tube but I'm a bit older and wiser now now bending and working under-hand is best avoided - my glasses keep falling off.

I've just rebuilt my baseboards, bought all my Code 75 track and paintwork, ordered my 3mm cork and waiting now for s nice South Eastern Finecast well turntable.
All being well, i'll be laying some track next weekend.

Thanks

Tony