I've got code 83 ME track and about 12 Atlas #4 and 6 turnouts (the former in the yard and latter for industry/stub tracks) on a 7x11 layout modeling the 1980s. What to use for ground throws? I like the tortoise switch machines (put under the layout), but was told that caboose industries' ground throws are easier to install and are much, much cheaper. Would they look realistic in the 1980s or pay a ton more money for the switch machines?
Cheers,
Lee
kasskaboose Would [Caboose Industries throws] look realistic in the 1980s ...?
Would [Caboose Industries throws] look realistic in the 1980s ...?
I say this as a user of the Caboose throws. They do not look realistic for any era. You use them because they work, and live with the aesthetics. If you're really concerned with realistic appearance, there are ways to build operating switch stands that will approximate the prototype, and MR as well as other magazines have covered the topic in the past.
Rob Spangler
The question is, do you follow your trains around and can throw the switches by hand. Then you need ground throws.
If you run your trains from a control point of some sort, then you need powered turnouts.
LION finds that there is nothing on this planet easier to install (and more forgiving) than a Tortoise machine. It also controls track power, frog power, signals, control panel indicators and all else.
The LION lives in the control tower. With a fleet of trains out and running on the railroad, him cannot be bothered with ground throws.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I installed about fifteen Caboose ground throws on my most used T/Os, the others I have a pin or nothing holding them. They work really well but are way bigger than scale. I think I will eventually use Tortoise switch machines and proper scale dummy switch stands when I get that far. The caboose ground throws were a cheap interim solution while the layout is in the Pink Prairie stage.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I'm in favor of the Caboose Industries ground throws for places that you can reach from the edge of the layout. They are very durable, and the design is appropriate to the 1980's. I definately recommend purchasing the sprung variety (usually indicated by an "S" following the part number), as this provides (a) a little more flexibility on mounting to insure centering and (b) better tension on the points to insure electrical conductivity.
In a close-up photograph, it can be noticed that the ground throws are indeed oversize. I've never had a visitor to my layout say "those switch-things look too big", though. If you don't have a scale person standing right next to the ground throw, it likely won't be noticed - and you can handle them with your scale 1:1 fingers.
Bill
The only powered turnout on my layout is under a bridge. All others use Caboose Industries ground throws. They're oversize (even the N scale ones, which can be used with some HO turnouts) but they work and are especially nice if you have a walk-around type layout.
Wayne
In the past I installed ground throws which looked rather like relay boxes, in line with but somewhat away from the headblock ties. They were actually miniature slide switches, which provided positive lock while taking care of the electricals. The shorter throw of the points was handled by putting a wishbone bend in the soft wire (paper clip) connecting link. It goes down through a hole in the scenery.
The only problem is to provide a proper mounting for the screws that secure the switch base plate. Plywood or pine is good, Extruded foam - not so good. It's also a good idea to solder all needed wires BEFORE mounting the slide switch.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964.