Simple turnout springs

[Anonymous]

I have seen (in the past) simple turnout springs made from spring wire or even a paper clip. They function like the PECO manual control in that they are over centered to hold the points in place. What I need is a formula for how long the spring should be and how much of an angle should there be to allow movement with pressure but hold the points in place?

Jim

[tomwatkins]

I use them on all my turnouts that are easily reachable. .028 piano wire works well. K&S manufacturing makes it and a lot of other sizes as well. Hobby shops that cater to the RC aircraft and car hobbies will usually have it. I Drill through the first tie away from the points, toward the points end of the turnout. Drill well down into the roadbed to give the long end of the spring plenty of support. I'll cut a piece of wire approx. 1/12" long. star with the angle a bit less than 90 degrees and each arm approx 1/4 " long. The angle can be adjusted slightly to increase or decrease spring pressure as needed. After you make a few, it takes about 30 seconds to make one. Once the wire is painted they are nearly invisible.
Hope this helps,
Tom Watkins