Hello,I am trying to decide what to use to control my atlas switches. Their switch machines are not one of my choices. I picked up the new Walthers catalog and discovered the page on ACME switch controllers. Anybody have any experience with these? Would you recommend them?They look nice and simple?
ThanksArt
Art,
Are you referring to the switch machines or the push buttons that control them - or both?
chicochip
Hi Art,
As near as I can recall, ACME doesn't offer switch machines; only various buttons and lighted indicators - "controllers" as they call them. ACME has been in business for more years than I've been in scale model railroading - and I switched from Lionel O-27 in 1971. Anyway, they've been around for awhile. Their products are excellent and built to last. All of their button pairs or groups require control panel space, which may or may not be an issue for you.
Switch machines are a different story. There is another thread here, somewhere (check ACTIVE TOPICS) where a fellow recently inquired about sources for twin-coil switch machines. There are several good links there.
Art, you are welcome to e-mail me at my office if you have any questions - and we'll open up this thread for others with their ideas as well. chipmeriam@comcast.net
When I saw the title of the post, all I could think of was Wile E. Coyote's supplier-of-choice for equipment to capture the Road Runner. Then, I read the post. (Well, duh...)
I actually have some of the Acme pushbuttons. I used them on my previous layout, back in the early 1960's. They work fine, but they are kind of a nuisance to install. Each set requires relatively accurate drilling of 3 holes - one for the mounting screw, and one each for the red and green buttons.
This time around, I went with single-pole, double-throw momentary contact toggles. They're about the same price as the old Acme's, and I think they're easier to deal with.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I bought mine from Demar Electronics (www.demarelectronics.com.) You can also get stuff like this from www.allelectronics.com and www.oselectronics.com, among others.
My LHS has these, too, but they are in little Miniatronics bags and are way overpriced. I'm not sure if Radio $hack even carries toggle switches anymore.
MOST all push-buttons are momentary SPST, and require TWO to throw a twin coil machine. If you replace them with SPDT 'Toggles, you will need those with momentary contacts. (ACME's do not latch).
Some form of VISUAL indication is also desirable (toggle handle? ).