I am using Atlas (HO) #4 and #6 turnouts. I have some caboose industry 202S throws that I would like to install on some of the turnouts. Can someone give me some guidance on just how to go about connecting the throws to the turnouts to get them to operate properly. Still a newbie.
Thanks
wdcrvr
wdcrvr,
The installation instructions should be on the back of the package label. For mounting the ground throws next to the turnout, I use a piece of ballastng cork as a foundation, as well as latex caulk and/or track nails to secure it in place. The ballasting cork keeps the ground throw at same level as the track.
Tom
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Position the turnout switch rails in the middle and position the arm (rod) of the ground throw in the middle (half way). Insert the pin on the ground throw arm into the hole on the turnout. You may need to slightly enlarge the hole on the turnout control to get the pin to fit (without over forcing and taking a chance on breaking something).
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Are you using the Atlas Custom Line or Super Track turnouts? Caboose Industries throws are easily installed on the Super Track as already noted, not as much so with Custom Line, since the latter are designed to use the huge Atlas throws. A Super Track 83 turnout will have a long throwbar that protrudes for some distance from the rails on both sides. A Custom Line turnout will have a short throwbar shaped like a "T," protruding on one side only.
To install the Caboose 202 throws on Custom Line turnouts, I first cut the side "ears" off the "T" on the Atlas turnout, leaving only the straight part of the throwbar, and also cut the plastic pin from the bottom of the Caboose throw. I then install some Micro Engineering wood ties for headblocks (the extended ties where a prototype turnout has its switch stand mounted).
To connect the Caboose throw to the Atlas throwbar, I use a rod fabricated from a short piece of .022" steel wire (from my local RC car and plane store). Use an NMRA gauge to determine the correct spacing between the rail and the Caboose throw. One end of the wire bends up at 90 degrees into the hole cast into the Caboose throwbar, while the other bends down at 90 degrees into the hole on the Atlas turnout (it ends up shaped a bit like an elongated "S"). Once the wire is bent and cut to length, you can install the Caboose throw on top of the headblocks with your preferred method - I use Atlas track nails. If you want to dispense with the headblock ties, you could probably mount the throw directly on the roadbed, and bend the steel rod like a "U" instead of an "S," but I don't like the looks of that myself. Remember to measure everything with the turnout points centered, and the lever on the Caboose throw centered in the vertical position.
The above also works for Micro Engineering HO turnouts, or any other turnout where the throwbar has been cut short. It took longer for me to write the description of what to do than to actually install a throw, so don't worry about the extra steps.
Rob Spangler
PennCentral99 Position the turnout switch rails in the middle and position the arm (rod) of the ground throw in the middle (half way). Insert the pin on the ground throw arm into the hole on the turnout. You may need to slightly enlarge the hole on the turnout control to get the pin to fit (without over forcing and taking a chance on breaking something).
Positioning the turnout switch rails in the middle and positioning the arm (rod) of the ground throw in the middle (half way) is the key. Good advice.
I just use the point of an Exacto knife blade to ream the opening a little bigger.
I nail my ground throws down with two track nails. I use a nail punch to finish the job.
Rich
Alton Junction
wdcrvr: I have been using N Scale Caboose Industries ground throws with my HO scale turnouts for about 10 years now with great success. They are smaller and look more to scale with HO turnouts. You may wish to go that route.
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tstage The installation instructions should be on the back of the package label. For mounting the ground throws next to the turnout, I use a piece of ballastng cork as a foundation, as well as latex caulk and/or track nails to secure it in place. The ballasting cork keeps the ground throw at same level as the track. Tom
I've had problems with the caulk bonding to the smooth plastic bottom, I use a dab of hot glue and I flip the cork so the beveled edges are together for a smooth "seamless finish".
richhotrain Positioning the turnout switch rails in the middle and positioning the arm (rod) of the ground throw in the middle (half way) is the key. Good advice. Rich
Thanks!
The Ferroequinologist wdcrvr: I have been using N Scale Caboose Industries ground throws with my HO scale turnouts for about 10 years now with great success. They are smaller and look more to scale with HO turnouts. You may wish to go that route.
I'll have to try that.
do you guys do any thing to mark your routes ? I find the #1 place I have derailments is going over turnouts that were thrown the wrong way ,So Ive been thinking of a poor mans signal system of maybe putting a dab a green paint on the lil' handle of the caboose throw for thru alinment and red for diverging or something of that nature ,I know I cant be the only one that has that problem ? ..Jerry
BIG JERR do you guys do any thing to mark your routes ? I find the #1 place I have derailments is going over turnouts that were thrown the wrong way ,So Ive been thinking of a poor mans signal system of maybe putting a dab a green paint on the lil' handle of the caboose throw for thru alinment and red for diverging or something of that nature ,I know I cant be the only one that has that problem ? ..Jerry
If you can get close enough to see that little dab of green paint, you are close enough to visually determine if the ground throw is set right.
For an easy way to center the rails I use two pieces of scrape rail placed between the points and main rail. This gives you the exact spacing. Then secure the control in place.
richhotrain BIG JERR: do you guys do any thing to mark your routes ? I find the #1 place I have derailments is going over turnouts that were thrown the wrong way ,So Ive been thinking of a poor mans signal system of maybe putting a dab a green paint on the Lil' handle of the caboose throw for thru alignment and red for diverging or something of that nature ,I know I cant be the only one that has that problem ? ..Jerry If you can get close enough to see that little dab of green paint, you are close enough to visually determine if the ground throw is set right. Rich
BIG JERR: do you guys do any thing to mark your routes ? I find the #1 place I have derailments is going over turnouts that were thrown the wrong way ,So Ive been thinking of a poor mans signal system of maybe putting a dab a green paint on the Lil' handle of the caboose throw for thru alignment and red for diverging or something of that nature ,I know I cant be the only one that has that problem ? ..Jerry
do you guys do any thing to mark your routes ? I find the #1 place I have derailments is going over turnouts that were thrown the wrong way ,So Ive been thinking of a poor mans signal system of maybe putting a dab a green paint on the Lil' handle of the caboose throw for thru alignment and red for diverging or something of that nature ,I know I cant be the only one that has that problem ? ..Jerry
and PS Rich try to be positive and not so critical in your responses ,You have some good info to share . to bad it gets lost in you're effort to find fault