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How to switch turnouts

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  • Member since
    November 2009
  • 95 posts
How to switch turnouts
Posted by Roadie on Friday, July 2, 2010 4:23 PM

I'm sure this has been beat to death but what is the cheapest best way to switch turnouts I have 25 turnouts but donwant to spend alot of $$ right now,  is the a easer way than the tortoise I know it is probley the best but pricie. Cool

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Eastern Shore Virginia
  • 3,290 posts
Posted by gandydancer19 on Friday, July 2, 2010 4:53 PM

 You could use Caboose Industries ground throws.  They are manually operated and designed to look prototypical even though they are bigger than the real thing would be on a scale layout.

If you haven't heard of them before, try an Internet search.

Elmer.

The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.

(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Friday, July 2, 2010 4:54 PM

 Most of the guys I know with big "operations" layouts use Caboose hand throws--about $3 a piece.

Edit-Dang Elmer, you beat me to it.

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • 95 posts
Posted by Roadie on Friday, July 2, 2010 5:24 PM

I'm reall looking for electric ones I can't get to all the turnouts all the time

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Sweden
  • 1,468 posts
Posted by Graffen on Saturday, July 3, 2010 3:46 AM

 This is what "most" people in Europe uses:

 Switch-machine

Very cheap at under $9 each. If you buy 10 they only cost $6.25 each!

They have both polarity switch and end point switch.

I donĀ“t know how much the shipping is, but it cant be that expensive.

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

My Railroad

My Youtube:

Graff´s channel

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Detroit area, Mi., U.S.A.
  • 167 posts
Posted by Billba on Saturday, July 3, 2010 4:15 PM

I was just on Proto:87 Stores website, www.proto87.com, and they have an interesting stall motor switch machine that they call the Mighty Mole.  It lists for around $12.00 U.S.  They also have them in packs of 6.  I have not used one, and can not make a product recommendation, but it does seem like it is worth a look.  It is somewhat smaller and may give a few more options than other stall motor machines as it can be mounted above or below the layout.  It comes with SPST contacts and requires some assembly.

  The one that Graffen suggested looks interesting as well.

Bill. Quote: "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers. Motto: "It's never to late to have another happy childhood"

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