Point Motors slow action or solenoid
Differences in point motors so between slow action and solenoid point motors are both used to operate model railway turnouts (points), but they differ significantly in mechanism, speed, reliability, and control. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
🔧 Mechanism & Operation
| Feature |
Solenoid Point Motor |
Slow Action Point Motor |
| Movement Type |
Instantaneous “snap” motion using electromagnetic coils |
Gradual, motor-driven movement via a gear or screw mechanism |
| Power Source |
Momentary pulse of high current (AC or pulsed DC) |
Low current DC, often continuous while in motion |
| Internal Mechanism |
Dual solenoids drive a plunger back and forth |
Electric motor slowly drives the turnout arm |
⚙️ Speed & Realism
| Feature |
Solenoid |
Slow Action |
| Speed |
Very fast (almost instantaneous) |
Slow and realistic (like real railway switches) |
| Realism |
Less realistic due to the snap motion |
Highly realistic; mimics prototype turnout operation |
🔄 Control & Compatibility
| Feature |
Solenoid |
Slow Action |
| Control Method |
Requires momentary switches or CDU (Capacitor Discharge Unit) |
Controlled via toggle switches or DCC decoders |
| Wiring Complexity |
More wiring (especially for CDU) |
Simpler wiring; less current-intensive |
| DCC Compatibility |
Requires interface module for DCC |
Often DCC-compatible out of the box or with built-in decoder |
🔩 Installation & Maintenance
| Feature |
Solenoid |
Slow Action |
| Mounting |
Can be mounted under baseboard or directly to turnout |
Usually under baseboard only |
| Noise |
Loud “clunk” when activated |
Quiet operation |
| Durability |
Mechanical wear on solenoid plungers over time |
Generally more durable and reliable with fewer misfires |
💰 Cost
| Feature |
Solenoid |
Slow Action |
| Cost |
Generally cheaper |
More expensive per unit |
✅ Summary
- Choose solenoid motors if you want fast action, lower cost, and are comfortable wiring a CDU.
- Choose slow action motors for quieter, more realistic operation with smoother control—especially on DCC layouts.
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