I just finished construction on a hidden staging yard which resides under the main level of the layout. The hidden staging yard is 48" off the floor so acess is no problem. I actually planned it that way believe it or not. So my question is being as I haven't been lucky enough to win the lottery or come into a windfall of cash lately the use of under table switch machines is out of the question.
Half of the yard is recycled code 100 track with working Atlas switch machines. So I have 12 turnouts remaining that need to be controlled. I am leaning towards the proto87 products on the link I have provided but if there is anyone who has a "cheap" way of doing it please enlighten me.
Thanks
http://www.proto87.com/turnout-controls.html
Do you need to control frog polarity or power to the frog?
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Speaking of "cheapo switch controls", I purchased 7 heavy double coil electric switch solenoids for $6.00 at a recent model railroad flea market. They are for undercounter installation, and have three holes for choice of distance of throw. I glued a nail into the hole with the proper throw. I happen to now have 112 switches on my layout, so the DCC layout is divided into four Power-Switch Districts, with each controlling 24 numbered electric switches and several (reachable manual switches) The photo shows how the elecric switches 1-24 are controlled with a grounded probe completing the circuit by touching either of the pair of numbered terminals. The complete manual switches on the internet link that you showed, appear to be rather expensiv e when you buy all the required parts. It seems that you could rig up somethinjg on the same order, by yourself. Have you tried "e-bay" for electric turnouts ? Bob Hahn
Have a look at these.
http://www.humpyard.com/
They look cool.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Allegheny2-6-6-6 So I have 12 turnouts remaining that need to be controlled.
Who manufactured these 12 turnouts? If they're Atlas you can just buy Atlas machines for them, assuming that you're happy with the way they work.
Blue Point.http://www.newrailmodels.com/BluePoint.htm
Here's how one member made his own.http://www.westportterminal.de/manualturnout.html
These are all Atlas #4 turnouts I may in fact just use their switch machines but in the past they have given me trouble over a long period of time. I like the simplicity of the cable type from Hump Yard. I think it's time I just play around with some stainless steel wire out in the shop. Years back we made manual turnout controls on a freinds layout using choke cable kits. He worked for an autoparts store at the time so the cost was nil but now a days I think you would be hard pressed to even find manual choke cables in a parts store
I use DPDT sub mini slide switches and a small homemade "Z" spring. It gives electrical contacts for frogs, etc. and will fit between 2" track centers in a yard. Cost = less than $.50 ea. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send you a drawing - I have no web hosting to post the drawing here.
Sheldon
now a days I think you would be hard pressed to even find manual choke cables in a parts store
Nope, readily available. Common tractor part. Just google it. You're still gonna pay $8-$15 for a kit though. Cheap bicycle cable might work too.
Thats not a bad idea, I did a search for choke cables last night and figured it would be just as easy to use drill rod or even welding wire whihc I have a couple of thousand miles of out in the shop. My luck I'll go through all the hassel and find Atlas switch machines at a swp meet for pennys after I am all done......lol