Home-built turnouts (switches)

[billtrainthomas]

I am currently building a #5 turnout in G gauge (code 332 Stainless Steel Aristo Craft) following the articles in recent issues of Garden Railways.  I have found nothing in my junk box to use as the throw bar, which needs to be non-conductive.  I called my local hobby store about using stock styrene, but he reminded me it would not be UV resistant.  Any thoughts on what I might use for a throw bar outdoors and where I might find it?  Needs to be about 6 inches long, and approx. .25X.25.  Would the same cedar work for the throw bar as it does for the ties?  Also, if you try this, I suggest brass rail over stainless.  Time on the grinder is a killer. 

[cabbage]

 What you make the "point actuator" out of, does not really matter -provided the rails are still insulated one from another. It would be possible to use a length of brass strip, (or rail!), and mount the pins to the rails in. (say). insulating nylon or tufnol sleeves. Thus you could move the points as required and still be "true to type" as the Southern Railway used scrap rails to make signal posts, buffer stops and point actuators with...

 regards

 
ralph
 

[billtrainthomas]

Thank you Ralph. I'm still amazed at the communication possibilities with the internet.  Hope I can return the favor at some point. 

[kstrong]

How about plexiglass? I've used that outdoors for quite some time for this, that, or the other (even throwbars) without issue.

Later,

K

[SNOWSHOE]

For my aristo turnouts I used door bolt locks for my switch throws

 

 

[Greg Elmassian]

 I think he was asking about the throw bar, which connects the 2 switch points, not the throw mechanism.

If it's outside, black UV resistant plastic is best. You can buy the ones from Aristo, but unfortunately, that is the only part of an Aristo switch that is not UV resistant.

Most black plastics will work better than something clear, since the UV rays cannot penetrate the outer layer of the plastic. Black nylon might be best.

Regards, Greg

[chistech]

At a electronics store they sell a fiberglass board panels used for making circuit boards. It is usually  green or light brown in color. It can be had in different thicknesses and can be cut with a fine blade on a motorized mitre box. Cut it in 1/4" wide strips to make the throw bar. It's very strong also. It can be painted also.