Battery power / radio control / live steam

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Last post 07-10-2009 2:59 PM by Greg Elmassian. 4 replies.
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07-07-2009 9:17 AM
Offline Dodger2
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-15-2008
Posts 2

Track Power

Getting a new layout started, would like ideas how to power two manual switches from a location about 30 ft away.. I have no track Power... all Train Engineer R/C.

07-07-2009 11:50 AM In reply to
Offline two tone
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-14-2006
Shire Counties UK
Posts 500

Re: Track Power

Him    I would make my turnouts powered bt LGB motor part num 12010  and as yoy use T/E  an Aristo CRE 55475 I can trigger this unit from 60ft+. units are very reliable.         Hope this helps

07-07-2009 7:09 PM In reply to
Offline g. gage
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-06-2008
N. California & Nevada
Posts 318

Re: Track Power

Two Tone has a good solution. I also knew a couple of guys in the Sacramento GRS that had air controlled switch machines; they worked well. One of them had the air compressor in the garage. I believe the system was Del-Aire.

 

I use my Aristo TE for walk around and throw my switches manually.

 Good luck, Rob

 

07-07-2009 7:49 PM In reply to
Offline ttrigg
Top 200 Contributor
Joined on 02-27-2004
North, San Diego Co., CA
Posts 1,978

Re: Track Power

Dodger2:  From my point of view, you have 3 choices.  1. Manual throw, which could be very interesting.  2.  Bury some wires to provide power to and electric throw. 3. bury some rubber tubing for pnuematic throws.  I would suggest that if youdecide on electric or air, you will need toprovide for "power" supply runs out to the areas for future expansion,

07-10-2009 2:59 PM In reply to
Offline Greg Elmassian
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-21-2005
North Coastal San Diego
Posts 234

Re: Track Power

I use air power, Del Aire is no longer, but California and Oregon Coast sells the EZ-Air system, better than the Del Aire.

The air motors are small:

You power them from 40 psi. You can buy small toggle switches to control the turnout, look just like an electrical toggle, but have small "barbs" for the air hose on them.

Your air can come from a compressor, or you can run for weeks from an inexpensive air storage tank:

 See my site for more info and links: (this is the lowest maintenance and most weatherproof way to remotely control switches)

http://www.elmassian.com/trains-mainmenu-27/track-mainmenu-93/air-operated-switches-mainmenu-101

Regards, Greg

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