Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Jim, Isolating the points??? There are several ways to do this. One is to unsolder the points and replace the strip with a piece of copper clad circuit board that has the copper cut in the middle to insulate the points. The points are soldered to the board and it becomes the throwbar. Another method is to cut the metal strip with a moto tool and re-attach the points to the plastic throwbar underneath by mecanical means, some guys use small screws directly through holes they drill in the metal into the plastic. One friend I have replaces the the throwbar with plastic twist tie material and uses small bolts to hold on the points. You are probably thinking that this is a lot of hassle. I agree, but having reliable switches in the end is worth it. I have seen all the modifications work, though I have only modified Pecos myself and they have insulated points to begin with. I will be doing these modifications to Micro-engineering and Shinohara switches when I get out of the staging and helix part of my layout construction. I have also bought some BK and Railway engineering switches that come assembled without ties. You have to spike them down to ties you lay yourself.....I have high hopes for these. Guy
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!