Hi, i am just wondering if any one has tried that wire turnout control method that is in the December issue? I am thinking of giving it a try.
I use the Tortoise switch machines with Walthers DCC code 83 switches. I color code all wires so that each switch machine is wires the same as the others. I use green and red LEDs on the control panel for turnout indication. Depends how good of an electrician you are. I am not that good but I can reproduce what I have already built time after time. Same color wires help with trouble shooting and I number each one of the turnouts and place a piece of tape with the turnout number.
Craig North Carolina
Been there, done that - and I will do it again any time I need a throw mechanism/electrical contact set for switch points that don't have to be controlled from any more remote location (or locations.)
IMHO, the key ingredient is an electrical switch with a full throw and a positive spring loading. For that reason I prefer standard slide and toggle switches to the wimpy things provided by some suppliers. Like the MR description, I need one set of contacts for a hot frog. Since I also need contacts for indicators/signals and for track power routing I always use a DPDT switch and sometimes need a 3PDT switch. Center-off designs need not apply.
For longer distances I use fishing leader in tension. The points are held in the "normal" position by a weight pulling on one end of the throw bar. (A couple of stripped 1/4-20 nuts or a small fishing weight is plenty - you don't need an anvil.) Throwing the toggle handle puts tension on the leader fastened to the opposite end of the throw bar, raising the weight as the points are moved. Since the leader doesn't have to transmit a 'push' the tubing can be replaced by small screweyes except where the leader has to pass through the roadbed or other solid object. It can also be routed around sharp corners without binding.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
bear's lair Hi, i am just wondering if any one has tried that wire turnout control method that is in the December issue? I am thinking of giving it a try.
Just what kind of switch did the guy use? Is there a name for it?
Dave Nelson
HI, he was referring to using a metal push rod inserted in a plastic sleeve hidden under ground cover to move the switch in and out instead of a powered switch.