Unknown Switches

[Anonymous]

Just bought some switches with an old Lionel layout. I had never seen any like these before. Manufactured by Hirth Hobbies, Chicago, Illinois around 1955. Name on Box . "Century" The 100 mile an Hour Switch. Would anyone please tell me what I have.

[Anonymous]

They are Hirth 100 MPH switches manufactured in Chicago;

I have a couple of dozen of each left and right

What else do you want to know??

Alan

[pennsy_fan]

could somebody post a picture of those switches? sounds very interesting.....

[jkerklo]

I too have some Hirth switches, but have never been sure of the power requirements. Anyone know?

John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com

[Anonymous]

Wire and power just like the LIONEL 042s; Either use the hirth controller or the Lionel controller with the lights.

Power the switch to the (I think the ) center terminal; the outer terminals are wired to the controller; Thus as you move the controller arm you are grounding (completing) the circuit to the switch machine. Non-derailing works the same as lionels 042 switches

The advantange with the hirth is that 1) no ugly switch machine and 2) closer spacing between parallel tracks if you use two to create a cross-over. 4" instead of Lionel 8"
The curve on the switch is not 072"

These switches are also in RR-Track designing software.

I replaced most of mine with no. 11 Ross switches

Alan