Hello All, I am new to the world of HOn3 and this 3-way switch thread could answer a modeling decision problem I must make about the EBT RR, Is it possible to scratch build a 3-way stub switch that is functional? As far as I know, no one makes RTR stub track in HOn3. Any hope for me or would the prudent option be to just go with a RTR conventional 3-way turnout for best results?
Thanxs in advance for any advice.
Eric
While the "3 way" switch being talked about in this thread for a switch machine really only has 2 physical positions, there IS a similar thing you could to to make a manual machine for a 3-way stub switch. That would be an ordinary SPDT or DTDP center-off toggle switch. The center-off position would line up the middle straight route and then enither side would move the movable rails to the other routes. Small stops on the rail keep it from moving too far left or too far right.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Eric,
Randy is correct. It's just coincidence that the terms are the same, but the 3-way switch in this thread refers only to the type of household switch used in this manual control for a typical two-postion turnout.
Here's an older thread with info on turnout controls for a 3-way TURNOUT:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/221070.aspx
This webpage shows how to rig two Tortoises to run a Peco 3-way turnout:
https://sites.google.com/site/coloradofrontrangerailroad/projects-1/three-way-switch-and-tortoises
As for the trackwork itself, AFAIK no one makes a RTR 3-way turnout in HOn3. There are custom builders who can make you one (BK Enterprises and Railway Engineering are two with extensive experience I know of.) Or you can build one yourself, but probably best to do several regualr swicthes before tackling that.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I did the 9th through 12th installs this weekend. It didn't start well, when I chose the wrong trunout to drill under first, completely missing the metall guard I' place to guard the points of the selected turnout.
Nickle-silver track is amazing flexible and resilient, though. I actually fixed it The four control knobs mounted on the fascia. I installed a bum guard to protect the knobs from snagging. here the turnoits are all in Normal position. Here's one turnout control in REVERSE position.
Nickle-silver track is amazing flexible and resilient, though. I actually fixed it
The four control knobs mounted on the fascia. I installed a bum guard to protect the knobs from snagging. here the turnoits are all in Normal position. Here's one turnout control in REVERSE position.
The four control knobs mounted on the fascia.
I installed a bum guard to protect the knobs from snagging. here the turnoits are all in Normal position. Here's one turnout control in REVERSE position.
I installed a bum guard to protect the knobs from snagging. here the turnoits are all in Normal position.
Here's one turnout control in REVERSE position.
I have been following this thread for some time. And I have already started installing these turnout controls on my ho layout and I am very appy with the results. I am just wondering if there is a way to add to this method so that you can have LED indicators on your control panels to tell you which way the turnout is currently set?
Any help out there?
thanks
wdcrvr
You can get small limit switches and attach them to control LEDs indicators. They can be tricky to adjust and add a level of complexity I tried to avoid myself. Which is to say it's certainly possible, but sounds like a lot of work to me. But there may be a simple way to do it.
Love the idea behind the 3way switch and just shows the innovation that modelers apply to their layouts.
I just priced out a 3way switch and plastic box vs a Blue Point machine and the price comes out the same for both (I would have to purchase the parts). Now if you have a supply of 3way switches and the boxes that are free then I guess one would not bother with the Blue Point machines.
For me the Blue Point machines are the way to go and they include the connections needed for LEDs.
tjerrard,
The Blue Point is a nice little deal. I wouldn't argue against going with them.
I do know in the states the cost wouldn't be comparable. You can get three-way switches in quanities of 10 or 12 for around $1 or $1.25/each. The blue box is just over $1/each locally. Gotta add in something for the knob (40 cents), dowel, and spring wire to control it, but it's always cheaper than a Blue Point.
But yeah, once you add in microswitches, that and the hassle of installing and adjusting them does make the Blue Point very competitive if you need the contacts. wdcrvr should definiotely consider that option, as it will save a lot of labor.
3way in Canada is $8.29 can and the blue box is $6 can.
I am a real fan of free trade LOL
tjerrard 3way in Canada is $8.29 can and the blue box is $6 can. I am a real fan of free trade LOL
The only Home Center I could find are in the US or overseas. Maybe you found Home Hardware? When I do a search on Home Hardware it says go to a store for prices.
Anyway if one could get cheap switches and boxes than this innovation is great. I can't find the "cheap" here yet.
tjerrard The only Home Center I could find are in the US or overseas. Maybe you found Home Hardware? When I do a search on Home Hardware it says go to a store for prices. Anyway if one could get cheap switches and boxes than this innovation is great. I can't find the "cheap" here yet.
There is a lowes in Waterloo