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Power routing Hankscraft switch machines

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Power routing Hankscraft switch machines
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 22, 2004 8:14 PM
I use Hankscraft switch machines, fka American Switch & Signal. They worked well for years, but I experienced problems with power through the switches, resulting in stalled locos. When installed, I isolated each track switch, and powered the stock rails at the point end. I rigged break before make (non-shorting_ micro switches on the switch machines to route power from the stock rails to the points. Now, on some switches, when the machine moves, it shorts the switch. I use Shinohara switches, and cut the copper spring wire that connects the points to the stock rails. I cannot figure out why the switches are shorting as the points throw. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, November 22, 2004 8:53 PM
Oops, they're now named Torquemaster motors.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 27, 2004 7:23 AM
I use these too and they are great. But you MUST use the Rix Rax mounting bracket. Here is how i do mine. Scroll down to picture.

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm

I handlay my switches, so I need external contacts to power the frog.

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