switch question..need some help!!

[streettrains]

lately my brain is over loaded with info on this & that. Almost to the point where I get a brain fart!!!!![xx(] Now I am having a block with switches.. I want to do with under the table switch motors..

should I or stay up top?

also with DCC, I am thinking of not using the DCC to operate the switches... should I do this or not....

need some avice once again...

thanks
Mike

[mcouvillion]

GrandFunkRailroad,

Didn't I see you at the Lake Charles Civic Center in concert in about 1973? Great show, started with a big steam engine on-screen running into the audience. Brand new civic center and everyone was literally dancing in the seats. What a great time.

Actually, what do you want your railroad to look like? Do you want switch motors on top of the layout? I wouldn't. Before you start, try building an example of how you would do it on a small piece (sample) of the layout, something you can get to on the workbench. Figure out how to do it, build a layout template (positioning holes, etc.), and try it. Once you work out the bugs where you can get to it, then you are ready to mount them under the bench.

As far as DCC operating the switch motors, it adds a bunch of cost to the layout, but you may want to do a few hard-to-reach turnouts or mainline cross-overs. You don't need to, but it really makes operation fun. It is great to use the throttle to throw the turnout.

Whatever you decide, it is YOUR railroad.

Mark C.

[streettrains]

I might be thinking too much... I still like the old way of throwing the switches... just keep thinking with the throttle I or someone will forget to set it back to main,,, and with DC you have the switchbox so you can keep yourself in check!!!

[Blind Bruce]

I'm glad that you asked the question. The reply about getting confused about where the throttle is set, got me reconsidering going to DCC at all I do get confused in a panic situation and tend to do things from instinct rather than thinking it out.
BB

[Don Gibson]

WHAT'S to get confused over?

Surface mounted machine's don't look realistic.Under table machine's are hidden.

There are 3 ways to go:
- trackside ground throws
- stall motors - DC fed such as Totoise - are slow
- twin coil types - AC or DC fed such as Rix - are fast

You need to panel mount switch controls for the last two.

You has to do some soldering and drilling, that's all.

[Anonymous]

yeowabouts under table mechanical linkage (push rods). Reiliable, simple, cheap.

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GrandFunkRailroad

... I still like the old way of throwing the switches... just keep thinking with the throttle I or someone will forget to set it back to main,,, and with DC you have the switchbox so you can keep yourself in check!!!

DO what the real rail roads do (SIMPLIFIED)

Set up switch machines for ROUTE'S. (Diode Matrix). One button throws all 'route' assigned machines.
All sidings and spurs by hand throws.