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Gargraves Switch motor location

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  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
  • 4,014 posts
Posted by phillyreading on Monday, June 6, 2011 2:25 PM

The exact mounting location of the DZ-1000 switch machine is not 100% important, rather that it throws the switch all the way. I had to off-set a DZ-1000, at a 22% angle, because it would not stay against the curved part of a switch that had a Caboose Industry ground throw on it previously. Also like somebody else mentioned, make sure the switch is clear of any engines or rolling stock after being mounted permently.

Another thing that I did with a DZ-1000 switch machine was to convert an old Lionel 027 switch, looks similar to a newer # 65021 switch, and mount the switch machine on the old switch housing after removing some of the plastic with a dremel tool. The 027 switch was a total loss before converting it, it had many missing parts, but the switch throw piece was still there. It works but it is ugly, because you can still see part of the old Lionel base that I cut the plastic off of.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Troy, Illinois
  • 8 posts
Posted by tfcii on Sunday, June 5, 2011 7:51 AM

Use a very small section of straight track between the switches.  This should give room for your machines.  

I am interested in finding or joining an O gauge community or club in the Metro East area of St. Louis, Mo.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Watkinsville, GA
  • 2,214 posts
Posted by Roger Bielen on Sunday, June 5, 2011 6:23 AM

Looking at a picture of a GG switch it appears that unless the long ties can be reversed it would be necesary to build a base to mount the switch machine on the straight side.  The operating bar/throw does extend to that side and has a hole for connecting the linkage.  On Ross switches the ties extend on both sides to allow changing the motor location.

Roger B.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 4 posts
Gargraves Switch motor location
Posted by f147pu on Saturday, June 4, 2011 9:16 PM

Is there anny way to have the switch motor on the straight side of the switch instead of inside the curve?  I want to have several swirches one right after the other but the motor location interferes.

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