Turnout Controls?

[Anonymous]

Want to make a spring loaded turnout setup that is simple yet effective.
The KISS method seems to suit me best. Saw something like this in MR a while back. Spring was basicaly a kinked wire set between the points.
Just looking for INFO[?]

[Anonymous]

Have you considered PECO? They have a small spring that holds the points pretty firmly to one side or the other.

[ereimer]

the february 2006 issue of MR has an article by Tony Koester about various methode used for throwing turnouts . one of them uses a paper clip , but i can't figure out from the photo how it works . there is also a reference to the December 1977 issue of MR for an article usina a piano wire spring . i suspect that's not the one you're thinking of unless 1977 is considered "a while back"

[nfmisso]

I 2nd, try Peco.

[Anonymous]

Already have alot of turnouts that I want to use. Mostly Atlas and Lifelike snap switches.
I have removed all the machines and plan to thow them with Cabbose throws, but I saw a setup in MR that used a kinked spring (not this past issue). Probaly some form of music wire bent just right. Was hopeing someone could remember witch issue it was. Peco are nice but with 40+ turnouts that still work fine(salvaged from last layout)
I cant see the expense.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to let everybody know I found the article I was looking for.
Page 80 upper left hand, January 2001 MR. Made a sample spring last night and it works well.

[waltersrails]

sounds good

[DFORD]

nelsonb, if you could post that January 2001 MR article or diagram (page80), I would be grateful. I don't have that issue.

[Anonymous]

I'll see what I can do.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

the february 2006 issue of MR has an article by Tony Koester about various methode used for throwing turnouts . one of them uses a paper clip , but i can't figure out from the photo how it works . there is also a reference to the December 1977 issue of MR for an article usina a piano wire spring . i suspect that's not the one you're thinking of unless 1977 is considered "a while back"

ereimer,
If you look at that photo of Tony Koester;'s article Steve King's paper clip turnout control its a very simple idea.
Look at the picture at the bottom just left of center see how the clip is held in place now look just to the bottom of that and you will see a little hook if you move the clip to the other hook it provides torsion on the clip thus moving the turn out to the other side. pretty simple yet very effective idea.

[tomikawaTT]

I use bent paper clips for spring action, and as a shock absorber between the "wham-bam" double coil machines I still use and the points. Just straighten out the legs, make the center bend a full 480 or so degrees and mount it with a wood screw through the center bend. The longer leg can go up through a largeish hole in the roadbed to activate the throw rod, while the shorter leg can be connected to whatever provides switch-throwing force. A couple of judiciously-placed washers will minimize friction.

[Budliner]

I have seen use of a large toggle switch drilled at the tip
and a wire attached

worked great in the pic


K

[jnichols]

Go with Peco. I have used their narrow gauge track and turnouts exclusively on my On30 layout, and the quality is amazing when compared to the other stuff I've tried.

Jeff