Is the throwbar coming off of a cork roadbed? I had to dig out the edge of the cork around where the throwbar is, because the part of the Caboose product that attaches to the throwbar would press against the cork underneath. Something to check, anyway, though it seems you would notice this right away if it were the cause of resistence.
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
If the turnout is installed per the instructions, and as Doc Wayne describes, then I'm inclined to suspect that Brent has the correct guess. I find that turnouts will move the throwbar well one way, but there's a strong resistance part of the way back. Often this is due to grit that will 'rock' one way when you throw the points, but they don't 'rock' well the other way, and they bind hard to the bottom of the throwbar. If there's six or seven such bits of grit, you'll find it very hard to get a good throw, or a complete throw.
If your turnout is not ballasted, and the joiners slide still, remove the turnout, run a scraper over the area, especially where the throwbar is/was, and then vacuum well with a brush to help to lift and dislodge anything resisting the air moving into the vacuum nozzle. Reinstall the turnout, use spare tie ends or toothpicks to place the points midships in the throw, and place your ground-throw lever midway through its arc. Install, as Wayne described, and then see if you don't get better results. BTW, those grits needn't be UNDER the throwbar; they could be between the throwbar and the headblocks, so make doubly sure the throwbar moves freely once you reinstall the turnout after cleaning.
If the Caboose Industries ground throw works in only one direction, you've installed it incorrectly.
For proper installation, manually park the turnout's points in a mid-throw position, (block in-place if necessary), then do likewise with the groundthrow's handle in a vertical position. Next, with the nub on the bottom of the ground throw inserted into a hole in the turnout's switch-rod, fasten the ground throw securely to the layout. Done accurately, the movement of the points will place them solidly against either rail of the turnout.
Wayne
I have had the same problem on more than one occasion. I have found the pin that attaches the ground throw to the turnout gets caught up underneath. I found digging a little trench between the headblocks so this pin doesn't catch resolved the problem. Trimming the pin flush underneath sometimes resulted in it popping out so the trench was a better solution.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
First, make sure you used the right throw for your turnout brand, they have different amount of throws.
snjroy I prefer using the lever, Rich.
I prefer using the lever, Rich.
Rich
Alton Junction
snjroy JRP Hi. I recently bought the standard Caboose Industries "ground throw" (HO) and thought I installed them correctly to the letter. One handle throws the turnout and lands to one side, but when I try to push the handle back all the way to the other side, it resists. I'm aftraid I will break the handle if I force it. Is that the way they work, or am I missing something here? Mine does that too. It might depend on the turnout. I use Peco. Simon
JRP Hi. I recently bought the standard Caboose Industries "ground throw" (HO) and thought I installed them correctly to the letter. One handle throws the turnout and lands to one side, but when I try to push the handle back all the way to the other side, it resists. I'm aftraid I will break the handle if I force it. Is that the way they work, or am I missing something here?
Hi. I recently bought the standard Caboose Industries "ground throw" (HO) and thought I installed them correctly to the letter. One handle throws the turnout and lands to one side, but when I try to push the handle back all the way to the other side, it resists. I'm aftraid I will break the handle if I force it. Is that the way they work, or am I missing something here?
Mine does that too. It might depend on the turnout. I use Peco.
Simon
And I prefer using the lever, Rich.
snjroy Mine does that too. It might depend on the turnout. I use Peco.
Release the connection to the throwbar and test the ground throw to see if it moves freely back and forth. It sounds like an installation problem to me.
All my Caboose Industries ground throws are (on last layout) easy to flip either direction. Something is caught/binding somewhere, or it is unfortunately not installed correctly.
Photos of the turnout and ground throw in question would help greatly in allowing us on the forum to assist in diagnosing the issue.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
JRPIs that the way they work
No. I have no idea what problem yours has, but they should work freely.
-Kevin
Living the dream.