IN A BOOK CALLED THE MODEL RAILROAD BOOKBY WARREN MORGAN, ON PAGE 58 CUTTING AN 022 SWITCH IS DEPICTED. ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS? WHAT TECHNIQUES OR PITFALLS? THE DESCRIPTION IS FAIRLY SPARE.
Cutting Down 022 Switches
Rob
Apologies. Thnks so much for retrieving this link and posting it. The discussion was really excellent. Haven't tried it yet; I have to get my nerve up!
Wasn't confident, But after delayng several weeks, I finally took the step and tried following the steps referred to in the OGR forum. I found it was much simpler than I imagined. I had thought I needed two but I was able to rearrange my track plan and eliminate the need for both. However, I did find a location where doing the modification would allow me to install a siding A tight space, so I carried the modification out. Successfully, to my surprise. And it was quite simple. So thanks very much for the help here.
Revival of this subject, i did sucessfully do 2 more but for me, it is a problem to maintain the very short rail on the base when drilling out the Bakelite to create a new socket for pins. But it can be done.
and then I found 9 this eBay today at total negotiated price of 15.00. so now I probably have enough for any need which may arise; no current real need. But I'm ready!
strange to me, occasionally I have called a few train shops around the country and they seem to be completely unfamiliar with the cut down practice from buying old collections; they don't seem to know what I'm talking about!
I received the modified switches, and was very pleased. I don't think the eBay seller did this modification, but whoever did was a good craftsman. In particular, I stumble with removing the Bakelite under the short cut rails that are left after making the modification by cutting through the body and rails. My failures often make insertion of pins difficult. I have read a post in another forum referred to in this thread, a few years ago, and understand what I need in terms of the drill size and how to use a special grooved block of wood to do the best job holding the rails stable. The problem is the bakelite is an extremely hard material, and my drill, which does not seem to me to be dull when drilling through wood or sheet metal, doesn't make a dent! Any suggestion?
I have to comment that I'm very well satisfied with the purchase and the yard tracks. I was able to install with significantly less space taken up. And avoiding likely derailments backing through only about 28° of a curve instead of 45°.
the rails are all sitting on top of a shaped rib in the Bakelite of the base, and clipped onto the base at each end, near where the track pins fit. But how is the opposite end of the two shorter control rails secured?
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