Turnout Connections

[Anonymous]

I was wondering about the Pros & Cons between Air Powered Switch Machines
and Electric ones. Which one would last longer in the elements, ease of installation, price differences , ETC....
thanks
scott johnson

[cacole]

There are too many variables involved to be able to answer your question as posed. For example, where are you? What type of soil and/or rock do you have in your area? What is the climate?

Air powered turnouts are going to require, at a minimum, a small air source of some type, such as an air brush compressor. Air tubing that can withstand your particular climate and soil conditions needs to be considered. How much does air tubing cost when compared to electrical wire? How easy is it going to be for you to bury the tubing or wire? If you go with air, can the tubing be put in an area that will not be trodden upon and cause the tubing to collapse? Both electrical wire and tubing may require the use of PVC piping as a conduit to prevent damage.

[Anonymous]

Scott,

What Cacole had to say was quite right, basically what you are asking is like how long is a bit of string but it is a good start. Here is a few things i have found, taking part in this activity here in the tropics and it may or may not apply to you where you live.

1/ Do not economise and use small switches, you will spend years regretting it. The bigger they are the less likely they are to cause derailments, which are a pain to everyone. This applies particularly if you are using two axle bogeys

2/ I use LGB electric points (switches) and I understand they are the only ones that have a double action, ie they magnetically pull the points to their new position in both directions, not in one direction then rely on a spring for the other direction and I understand that this is quite superior although I have no experience with the others myself.

3/ Make sure your points are flat from side to side and that you have a straight length of rail heading into and from them. This reduces the effect of changes in momentum from causing derailments on your points.

4/ I solder all my connections except those to points, then I use Hillman clamps so they can be easily removed for maintenance.

5/ Do not place your points in hard to get at places as they may end up being a continuous form of annoyance, to this end do not use any more sets of these things than you have too.

Remember as in anyhting you only get what you pay for. The sweetness of low price is forgotten long before the sour taste of poor quality.


Rgs Ian Kawana island etc.