Scale size

[Sperandeo]

It's very difficult to make a working ground throw to scale size in the smaller scales, especially since the switch points generally have to move more than two or three times farther than scale distance, and the device has to stand up to being mishandled by our non-scale fingers. Most people I know who use ground throws acknowledge that they are not scale size but put up with that discrepancy for the convenience.

My own preference is to use hidden switch motors to operate my turnouts from under the roadbed, and mount scale-size dummy switch stands on the turnout headblocks. I know that's more expensive, but since I build my own turnouts I'm not spending much money on the top side of the roadbed.

Another very inexpensive and effective option is to use a hidden slide switch with a push rod control to operate turnouts from below. This is explained in "Great Model Railroads 2003," page 22. Either the switch motor or the slide switch gives you the option of controlling the frog power, which can be very useful.

Good luck,

Andy

[Sperandeo]

It's very difficult to make a working ground throw to scale size in the smaller scales, especially since the switch points generally have to move more than two or three times farther than scale distance, and the device has to stand up to being mishandled by our non-scale fingers. Most people I know who use ground throws acknowledge that they are not scale size but put up with that discrepancy for the convenience.

My own preference is to use hidden switch motors to operate my turnouts from under the roadbed, and mount scale-size dummy switch stands on the turnout headblocks. I know that's more expensive, but since I build my own turnouts I'm not spending much money on the top side of the roadbed.

Another very inexpensive and effective option is to use a hidden slide switch with a push rod control to operate turnouts from below. This is explained in "Great Model Railroads 2003," page 22. Either the switch motor or the slide switch gives you the option of controlling the frog power, which can be very useful.

Good luck,

Andy

[Anonymous]

I bought 1 once - just 1. For N scale. The throw is twice as tall as the N scale switchman i was going to set beside it (LOL). It still sits in the junkbox unused, now i just give my turnouts the finger.

As for your other comments, i think that model railroaders on the average seem reluctant to complain to manufacturers when the products work poorly or not at all. It's almost like they believe we'll take whatever they make and be glad to get it. But maybe it takes people like yourself to complain (loudly) and make them realize when we are not happy with a product. With enough complaints, complacency and the "it's good enough to make a buck" attitude could actually change to product improvement.

[Anonymous]

I bought 1 once - just 1. For N scale. The throw is twice as tall as the N scale switchman i was going to set beside it (LOL). It still sits in the junkbox unused, now i just give my turnouts the finger.

As for your other comments, i think that model railroaders on the average seem reluctant to complain to manufacturers when the products work poorly or not at all. It's almost like they believe we'll take whatever they make and be glad to get it. But maybe it takes people like yourself to complain (loudly) and make them realize when we are not happy with a product. With enough complaints, complacency and the "it's good enough to make a buck" attitude could actually change to product improvement.

[Anonymous]

I think Caboose hobbies lost their scale rulers. Recently I ordered some N scale turnout throws to use on my HO layout, the N ones are closer to scale than the ones they call HO, and they sent HO scale in a package marked for " N and HO". These throws measure a full 6 feet tall in N scale. Are these people serious? I plan to send mine back to the company and DEMAND what I ordered and paid for. We, as model railroaders, can't let these companies sent out just anything and call it any scale they want. SEND IT BACK!!!!

Tom Harrison

[Anonymous]

I think Caboose hobbies lost their scale rulers. Recently I ordered some N scale turnout throws to use on my HO layout, the N ones are closer to scale than the ones they call HO, and they sent HO scale in a package marked for " N and HO". These throws measure a full 6 feet tall in N scale. Are these people serious? I plan to send mine back to the company and DEMAND what I ordered and paid for. We, as model railroaders, can't let these companies sent out just anything and call it any scale they want. SEND IT BACK!!!!

Tom Harrison