Moving Targets ... with the Showcase Miniature Switch Stands?

[SandyEggoJake]

I've asked a few here that I know have purchased the Showcase Switch Stands if they have tried to make the targets move with say a link to the turnout ... and even have asked the folks that make them.

And so far have yet to find anyone who has made this attempt.  (To be clear, not talking about making an operating ground throw that moves the switch, but rather a link to the turnout that moves the target... a kin to the now discontinued MicronArt approach. 

Has anyone tried such as yet?  If so, can you show us how you did it and review how it's working out?

Thx!

https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_century_foundry_accessories/556.html

[garethashenden]

I've thought about it. I haven't reached that point in track laying yet, but here's my theory. You need a throwbar that extends out to under the switch stand. Then make a new rod for the switch target. This will need to be durable, so probably music wire. This needs to have a double bend in it. The end of the wire needs to be in the throwbar, but there needs to be a joggle so that as the throw bar moves the rod rotates. Its critical to get this dimension correct, otherwise something will break.

I'm going to give it a go when I get there, but I'm unsure if it will work in practice. Its just so small.

[CRL]

If servos are used, a simple wire in a tube could rotate a target 90 degrees independent of the throw bar.

[Mark W]

Timely question.  I've been working on a prototype moving switch stand for my HOn3, using the same slide switches I use for N.

Instead of just crimping the music wire from the throwbar onto the slide switch, I looped it around and sent a bit off sideways, bending the end back around so there's a little U channel. 
The signal post is another bit of music music wire bent like a hair pin with a little handle at the bottom, which fits into that U channel (you can kind of see it on the normal position below).   The other end of the post currently sticks down an inch into the foam, carefully centered on the slide switch travel.  When the switch is thrown, the u channel just takes that little post handle along with it, turning the signal post 90 degrees. 

Very rough prototype, but successful proof of concept!  Next step is to extend the little 3D printed slide switch button to include a mount for the switch stand. 


https://i.imgur.com/0DM1STm.gif

[dem34]

There was a guy I talked to at the Amherst show last year that had an NN3 DRGW layout with moving targets. His solution was modified Rapido Railcrew Point motors. Though there was a hefty amount of 3D printed brackets involved with them. I imagine the stand portion of the system would work the same with Showcase Targets.

[narrowminded]

Stay tuned.

[SandyEggoJake]

Thanks guys.  I particularly like Conrad's solution.  Looks great once the scenic is installed. 

I've zero experience with the Rapido Rail Crew HO Scale switch machines, but they seem worthy of a test, so just ordered some.  Thanks all.