It appears that the switch is not completely throwing, the MTH Climax will pass OK, the MTH Blue Comet and MTH 4 truck shay will not pass throught without derailing. What would give me a more positive throw? Would adding a relay of some kind help?
Also, no power to the switch for the trains, is that because I cut the other side of the switches outside rails? If I connect them I'm guessing that should take care of it? Thanks again, Jake
Higher voltage on the capacitor circuit will help. You can go up to the DC voltage rating of the capacitor, which should be way more than enough if it is a 35-volt capacitor. You could also increase the capacitance. If you have two capacitors, you can connect them in parallel, that is, positive to positive, negative to negative. You don't need a relay for any of this.
Your guess about power on the slipswitch is probably right. Put jumpers to any parts that got isolated unintentionally in the process of making the control rails.
Bob Nelson
Thanks so much again Bob, Jake
I moved the control rails back, seemed to help, but the Shay still will not cross over both directions.
I have a friend that started cable TV in this area, about as smart a guy as you can imagine. Very knowledgeable in many areas and extremely patient. Said he had a cedar canoe once that had a crack. He took the rib apart, made a new one, did everything correct, but they would split upon attachment. He made 4 of them, they all split. Said after the 4th try, he dragged the thing out in the yard, took a chainsaw and cut it in half and burnt it. Said the gain was not worth the effort, I'm starting to understand that concept! This thing SHOULD work, but it's really beating me up, but I"m not ready for the chainsaw just yet! Jake
Fred,I beginning to think a picture or two (top view and bottom view) would really help here...Not knowing how the switch is constructed is really hampering the conversation... also you now have this in three seperate threads... one thread and two pictures would really help...
Shucks, might be 4 threads now! I guess I got a bit desperate! I'll have to see what I can come up with on this mess, Jake
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month