Delaire Pneumatic switch machines

[GoodoleBob]

Do we have any other modeler here that use these besides me? If so, I have a question. Do you have a preferred way of routing power thru turnout beside just using point pressure to accomplish it? Thanks!

Goodolebob

[nedthomas]

Add a small micor-switch that is operated by the same arm that moves the points. If you need more contacts you chould use the micro_swith to control a relay.

[GoodoleBob]

Hi Ned,
Gee I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get a reply before the question when off into old question land..That's a very good idea actually! Do you use the Delaire switches btw? Thanks again.

Bob

[mecovey]

Bob,
I've wondered about using the air motors for years. I considered it when I started building the current Pennsylvania Midland but it seemed there wasn't any cost savings over solenoids so I didn't change over. I ended up using Caboose Industries ground throws almost exclusively anyway but I'd be interested in your opinions and thoughts about them. Would you use them again if you had it to do over? Is there a way to lower the cost etc. etc.

[GoodoleBob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mecovey

Bob,
I'd be interested in your opinions and thoughts about them. Would you use them again if you had it to do over? Is there a way to lower the cost etc. etc.

Well like many types of controls, they have there good points and some not so good. I originally bought a basic starter package of them at a train show, and sort of put them away for safe keeping. Then I was reading an article about the personal home layout of the guy who owns Central Valley Model Works. It was very apparent he was a very capable individual and his railroad was also amazing, and then I noticed he was using these Delaire air switches...it was enough of an endorsement for me to get those four air switched out of my storage box, and installed in several key locations..I liked they way they performed enough to buy an additonal supply to complete the remain high priority turnouts on my railroad to include several turnouts being used in a hidden staging area. Obviously you need a ready supply of compressed air...they operate at the recommended 40psi. I use a portable air tank that I can recharge at my larger garage style compressor. You need to have a regulator in line to maintain this 40 lb setting. You need to fabricate an acceptable linkage to connect the air switch to the turnout. depending on space avaiable this linkage can be somewhat trickey or can be ultra simple. I ended up rebuilding all my air switches to incorporate a heavier piece of music wire inside the air cylinder. They were necessary for my particular type of actuating linkage. Once installed and it is reasonably easy to do so even though I may have made it sound difficult, they work like a charm. Powerful movement of points no matter how resistant to motion they may be..THEY MOVE...! The pressure on the points is such that if you try to snap the points to test the tension they are almost like guitar strings. They are very positively seated against the stock rail. No electrical connections appealed to me although some might argue that air pressure is not always available to everyone. It's a well thought out system and has several accessories to handle unusually installations. Lately I've developed some current flow problems at the points of a few turnouts. They use to work fine with the incredible pressure these air switch wouild impart, but now they seem to want more and so I'm looking into putting some microswitches at the throw bars to route power independant of the Delaire system. This bugs me to have to do it, but went a train stalls at a turnout something has to be done to correct it. I literally have to pinch the point to the stock rail with a pair of needle nose pliers to get it to pass current, and yes they are clean..unbelievable!. The microswitches will take care it.

As far as a way to beat the prices...I don't see many short cuts available unless you can inexpensively access some of the parts you need to install this stuff. I suppose there are ways around everything. Going directly to a manufacturer of these components might help but they'd probably expect you to buy in bulk. Delaire does this and then resell the quantity we need at a price that makes it worth their while and allows us to only buy the relatively small quantity we need.

Like many, I also use the ground throws from caboose ind. for very accessable , but somewhat unimportant turnouts. I also use a home made setup that came from an old MR article by Gorden Odegard way back when that includes a power routing provition for some more critical turnouts.


I don't know if you have enough info now or want answers to some particular questions about These air switches. Please just let me know.

Bob

[ndbprr]

The air system goes back to the early 1950's at the newest and maybe into the early 40's. It was hailed as a "very realistic" system with the air sound adding realism. The downfall of the system (and some can live with it) is the 9000 mph movement of the switchpoints which is totaly toy train in its realism. I will be putting in Tortise drives on my mainline interlocked switchs. I think the speed issue is more realistic then the sound.

[GoodoleBob]

To tell you the truth, that's the first reference to the sound aspects of the air I've heard from anyone. The movement of the points was never a concern for me..I want them to move..fast /slow or whatever didn't really mean anything to me. The Totoise products are just fine and widely used, but no better than many other methods and products in my opinion.

Bob

[DaveBarraza]

Prototype pneumatic switch machines such as the US&S A-5 or A-10 throw fast enough to amputate fingers, so I don't find the quick throw of the DelAire machines in any way unprototypical. The first thing you hear is the nut hitting the basket and the next thing is the opposite point closing. It happens in much less than a second, and faster than you can remove your hand.