Ground Throws or switch machines.

[pennsy1349]

 

I am not sure of which type of turnout switch handling I would like to use on my layout. I presently have the old Atlas snap switches. They are getting too old and I have replaced a few of them. I really don't like the look they give the layout. And want to change them for something better looking

I see a lot of layouts with Ground Throws. Are these manually operated?
And I am not sure of using the Peco switch or the Tortise switch. I have read where some of the switches have a constant power to keep them in position. Sounds to me as though this could
become a problem in the future.

I would appreciate any input on this.

Thanks, Greg 

[spidge]

I like the ground throws. They simplify the wiring and are reliable. I use the tortoise to power my turnouts that are out of reach and they work fine. The constant power on the tortoise is not an issue, it keeps the points pushed up against the stock rails. The Peco motors would be a bit challenging to make work with anything that is not a peco switch.

[loathar]

It really depends on if you can reach all your turnouts easily and don't mind walking around all the time. I personally want to sit in one spot and run everything.
From what I've been told, Pecos are meant for Pecos and don't play nice with other turnouts. Something about the Peco switch spring. I was told they won't work with Atlas turnouts.

[pcarrell]

I use switch machines in hard to reach areas and ground throws everywhere else.  The ground throws make me feel more connected to the train.

[jbu50]

You can use Tortoise switch machines with Peco turnouts but you need some thicker wire to run from the tortoise up to the peco. I use .35 piano wire and it moves the Peco even with the spring intact. Of course it doesn't slowly move but snaps across when the tortoise overpowers the spring. Kind of negates the nice slow action of the tortoise. But it will work.

 John

[SpaceMouse]

Switch Machines if you can't reach and ground throws everywhere else.

But here's a 3rd option.

[wedudler]

There's also the way to use some type of push - pull - device. That's my way. manual device   

Wolfgang 

[mobilman44]

Hi,

  Wow, some of the posters really did a nice job with their turnout controls!!!  

Mine are more traditional however.  I have an 11x15 two level HO layout with code 100 track.  All turnouts are Atlas custom line.  I originally had the Atlas switch machines on every turnout, and frankly it was a bear to figure out which toggle was for which turnout as there was just way too many of them.   So during my rewiring project last year, I installed Caboose Hobbies ground throws on all the turnouts within easy reach.  This was about half the total. 

Well, I wasn't sure how I would like the results but frankly they turned out just great.  I now feel more of a "hands on" control, and of course they look a lot better than the above ground switch machines (yes I have some under the table but they can be difficult).  And, as an added bonus, the remaining turnouts with switch machines are much easier to identify as to which works which. 

If I were to rebuild the layout - which may happen this year - I believe I would repeat what I now have. 

Mobilman44

[WaxonWaxov]

Switch Machines if you can't reach and ground throws everywhere else.

But here's a 3rd option.

 

Whoa! What's that? What's it called? Where do I buy it?

 

 

[MisterBeasley]

I have a mix of Atlas and Peco.  I originally bought Atlas, because I was familiar with them.  I'm re-using Atlas machines from my teenage years.  Some of the machines are 50 years old, and still working, although they were stored for most of that time.  I drive all of my machines with a Capacitive Discharge circuit.  This both provides a bigger initial jolt, something I found that the Peco machines needed, while giving some measure of "stuck button" protection.

I've had no troubles with either type, after 2 1/2 years of on-layout use.  I have come to really dislike the look of the Atlas machines, so I use Pecos now when buying a new turnout, and I've been making covers for the existing Atlas machines on scenicked and ballasted tracks that I don't want to tear up.

Atlas and Peco switches and machines are, as mentioned above, NOT mixable.

Atlas makes a below-table model of its switch machine.  However, it's only got a 1-inch vertical shaft, so if you're using roadbed and anything thicker than 3/4-inch plywood, it won't work.  Also, you can't buy a turnout with this type of machine.  The only combination that Atlas sells as a package is a snap-switch with remote surface motor.

Neither Atlas nor Peco machines come with additional contacts for power-routing or signalling.  Peco makes an add-on for a few dollars that gives you a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) contact set.  Atlas sells a "deluxe" under-table machine that provides double-pole, double-throw (DPDT,) I think.  Atlas also has a stand-alone DPDT relay that you can wire in parallel with a switch machine.  Tortoise comes with DPDT contacts standard.

[Blue Flamer]

Switch Machines if you can't reach and ground throws everywhere else.

But here's a 3rd option.

 

Whoa! What's that? What's it called? Where do I buy it?

  

Try Humpyard.com. They have a well detailed site that shows exactly how they are set up and how they work. Great site, lots of Pics.

Blue Flamer 

 

 

[WaxonWaxov]

Switch Machines if you can't reach and ground throws everywhere else.

But here's a 3rd option.

 

Whoa! What's that? What's it called? Where do I buy it?

  

Try Humpyard.com. They have a well detailed site that shows exactly how they are set up and how they work. Great site, lots of Pics.

Blue Flamer 

Oooooh... I see.

Bascially, it's using model airplane control lines (a small wire that can move freely inside a sleeve to manually push/pull turn-outs. Veeeery cool idea.