Manual switch throws vs. remote machines?

[Anonymous]

On my old layout, I had a large area that wasn't accessible without using an access hatch, and it had about 4 turnouts in the area, all of which I used remote switch machines, but all of the accessible turnouts I used Caboose Hobbies manual switch throws, because I thought they looked alot better than the Atlas Remote switch machines. On my new layout, I'm planning on keeping most of the turnouts within arms reach, and using as many of the Caboose Hobbies manual throws as possible instead of forking out alot of cash for under the table remote switch machines or the unrealistic looking on top of the table machines. I prefer having the 'hands on' control of knowing I am the one responsible for throwing the switch. Makes it feel more realistic to me. I guess what I'm wondering is, is there anybody out there that can give me a good reason not to do it this way? I'd love to have all remote switches, if I could afford to do it, but I'm trying to keep costs down as much as possible this time around, and I like the way the Caboose Hobbies manual throws look and operate. Whatcha think?

[retsignalmtr]

i'm using ground throws on my n scale layout and i like them a lot. it's basically a one track layout only one foot wide so i don't have to worry about reaching too far. but the mainline will have 70' of track when it's done . i'm switching to wireless dcc soon so i won't have to run too many wires to operate the switches. operation seems to be more realistic having to stop and operate the throws. if you desire to have remote machines you can mount them away from the switch and disguise them with a building or other thing on top of them.

[Anonymous]

I had all remote machines (Atlas) on my original 4x8 layout, but on the new layout I'm using the Caboose Hobbies manual machines on all switches that are reachable from the edge, and Tortoise machines on the mainline switches that are too far from the edge to reach without knocking something over. Some of the old Atlas machines will be used in the staging yard where they're hidden from view and it doesn't matter what they look like (plus, the positive "snap" sound will let let me know the switch has thrown properly).l

So I guess the bottom line is go with what you like. [:D]

[Anonymous]

My layout is N scale only 24" wide so I'm using ground throws, also because I too feel its more realistic to manually throw the switch.

[cacole]

On the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's 20x40 foot HO scale layout, we use Caboose Industries ground throws on Atlas turnouts that can be reached to change by hand, and powered only the inaccessible ones. As much as possible, we used Peco turnouts because they require no ground throw or motor.

[Anonymous]

I've powered all the switches on my layout (there's only 5 of them as it's a shelf layout!), but probably wouldn't if building a large fixed layout. A while ago I found a system made by Ratio (I've seen similar things from other makers listed in MR) which seemed to offer the best of both worlds - it has a small plastic lever that is connected by a cord to a similar unit under the switch. When the lever is pulled, the cord moves the switch. Only one cord is needed as the switch end of the system is sprung, and the only "wiring" needed is a few screw-in brass eyelets that guide the cord around corners - unfortunately I've not seen this system for sale recently though I hope it makes a comeback as it was both cheap and easy to use. The kit of parts cost about the same as an electric switch machine - but you needed no wiring or electrical switch to make it function, which adds up to a substantial saving over a large layout. It was also invulnerable to electrical faults!

[johncolley]

The only con i've heard is the possibility of scenery damage. I am doing up to 8 ft. long Free-mo modules and my yard throat is presently CI ground throws. I am looking at something with an indicator on it and will try their new ones. I have been using the 202s ground throws for a number of years and have been quite happy with them. However, I do put the 1/2 inch holes under them in case I ever want to motorize them.

[wpsteve]

On the WP, I use Caboose hobbies ground throws where ever you can reach without worrying about scenery considerations. Most of my yards use Peco and they have there own throws. ( great ) but I also use a lot of Atlas 83's with the Caboose thrown. All mainline turnouts have Torts as I run CTC Dispatcher thrown siding turnouts.
As the fellow above said, I drill a hole under the throw bar on any turnout I feel could ever change to powered! I tried drilling a hole for an under table electric once on an existing turnout, never again [:D]

One thing that you all might be interested in that I do is a modification to the Caboose throws. I have found the guys throw them all the way to the dirt if you will.. Then they have to dig the handle out of the scenery to grab it. I have seen guys put nails under the throw bar to keep it up a bit... The throw works when about level or paralel with the table.
What I do is take a very tiny piece of styrene and epoxy it over the hole that you put a nail in to hold it in place ( I also glue the base down, in addition to the nails ) It is between the edges of the main body of the base.
This is a stop for the throw bar. Paint it black and it kind of goes away
[;)] You can even put a bit of green and red paint on the top edge to indicate turnout alignment ( as to normal etc. ) Kind of over kill but!

[BRAKIE]

On both my HO and N scale industrial switching layouts I use ground throws..Now the only time I will use switch machines is when I can't reach the switch..

[CP5170]

I use Tortoise switch machines on all main line turnouts and CI throws for all yard and siding tracks. I use DCC and intend some time in the future to control the main line by computer.

Hope this helps...Ken

[twhite]

My motto is: If you can reach it, flip a ground throw, if you can't--press a button.
Tom

[Anonymous]

I've used CI ground throws for over 20 years and I feel "Lost" without them on my current layout. I only have 4 turnouts and they are Kato Unitrack that work great. I know I can choose to throw these manually if I want to, but I usually use the power to throw them.
If and when I build a new, larger layout, I will use CI ground throws again. For the price and the realism, they can't be beet.
gtirr

[Anonymous]

Well I use ground throws and the only disadvantage is, especially for me since I don't have walkaround, is that you have to run around an flip the switches. Otherwise they are great.
Reed

[Paul3]

My reasons depend on what I'm trying to model on my New Haven layout. If I have some switches that were controlled by a tower, then they get Tortoise machines. If they were instead operated by hand, then I use ground throws. This keeps is pretty realistic for my Boston to Providence line of the New Haven.

Now, the only exception I have is that my Boston yard is controlled by Del-Aire air powered switch machines. I use them there because the yard is from 1955 (salvaged from my RR club when we moved), and is a handlaid yard. As a result, this means that I have to use under the table machines because of the way each switch was built (the throw bar does not extend under the rails.

The other reason I use Del-Aire? Because I managed to pick up 20 motors and toggles for free! (a member of my club got rid of his whole Del-Aire collection and gave them to me).

My only other reason for not using ground throws in a yard is because there just isn't enough room.

Paul A. Cutler III
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Weather Or No Go New Haven
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[cwaldman]

Manual switches (Caboose) and manual uncoupling all the way. First is the cost. Never counted them but i bet i have 35 or more switches. That would have been pretty expensive to put in undermounts.

I did have to make one or two concessions on the scenery to allow room to get to the switches. But minor things. I do like the idea of preventing them from fully being thrown over into the ground. May have to try that.

The only problem I have for now is that I do not have my walkaround control set up yet. But I am still building. But when I do run, It is kind of a pain to stop and walk over to uncouple or throw a switch. But I consider it the time a train would be stopped and the switch thrown in real life.

Cletus