yet another switch throw thread..

[diezmon]

I've always struggled with finding the best way to wire and throw switches using the KISS methodology.    I got some caboose throws this week, but man, they really ARE big.  Even using ed's way of hiding them.   

I like Lee's mini-switch idea too..

I thought I'd share my latest experiment.   I'm using a short length of wood to attach the switch to the switch     The only problem here is I have to glue the wood to the ties.. to removing things while they're in place on the layout may be a drag.

I ordered some micro switched on the bay that have metal mounting tabs on them.. so the switch is mounted to the wood in-line with the throw bar.   Like so.



I thought about shaving the top off of the slide-switch and glue one of the dummy switch machines on top, maybe with a wire in there  for strength.. but I don't think the joint would stand up the giant hands working it.  Anyone done that?

also, I'd prefer to have the wire underneath somehow.. so maybe I'll play with that this week..

[Chris333]

So your modeling the Virginian? Where is the link to the webcam?

[diezmon]

So your modeling the Virginian? Where is the link to the webcam?

ya totally lost me.. 

[MichaelWinicki]

I've got a love-hate relationship with Caboose Industry throws...

I'm not keen on their size... who is?

But darn, they sure work well.  They install in snap and are virtually indestructible.

In operations the guys generally love'em.  There's a certain amount of satisfaction in throwing them... Very railroady.   

The CI throws seem their biggest when you're taking pictures.  When operating trains, I don't think their size is a problem.

When it comes to pictures, I've learned that simply having finished scenery around the CI throws makes them a little less obvious.

Take a look at Dave Vollmer's before and after shots of the CI throws in his Enola yard.  Big, big difference in how obvious they are (or aren't) after he sceniced the area.

But also when it comes to picture time, simply using some clump foliage or a temporary tree goes a long way to eliminating them from a scene.



There are two throws in this scene... Neither of which is noticeable.

[Chris333]

ya totally lost me.. 

The trackplan under your turnout is for the Model Railroader Virginian project layout that they built with a webcam.   

[wazzou]

The trackplan under your turnout is for the Model Railroader Virginian project layout that they built with a webcam.   

You need to get out a little more Chris. 

[chuck geiger]

Over on Atlas N, I guy made a stand out of brass and it rocks!

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=67332

[diezmon]

ok, so working on some ideas..  I've got some of my prefabs done.. with some evolution (left to right)



bigger pics are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/timdiez/Trackwork?authuser=0&feat=directlink

I'm trying to get away from the visible z-bend if I can.. with not much luck. I first tried a slot in the throw bar, and no bend in the wire. but there's too much slop.

I finally ended up with a long z bend, enabling me to put the wire under the switch.. this way I hope I can mount a dummy switch throw on top of the mini-slider



full size:  https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e3a2elUKyfg/ToKTyXHE2iI/AAAAAAAAEOo/kXH2CZ6URyM/IMG_8250.JPG

the wood is popsicle sticks.  With twin 9 year olds, I have plenty of those around.  they'll get covered up with ballast. 

What I'd also like to do  wire the [electrical] switch to the turnout, so I don't have to run feeder wires down, if that make sense?  I'd wire to the outer rails, and the frog, directly to the slide switch. Then  I'd have a stand-alone, wired switch, that i can just mount on the layout with out wiring.  So replacement would be easier.

question is, if I don't solder the tracks, will there be adequate current through everything?

[Tad_T]

I just did my first Atlas Code 55 switch set up with a Miniatronics slide switch yesterday.



It took me a while to figure out how to do the first one.



I used a piece of Plastruct angle and CA'd it to the ties and to the switch.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've used the cut down tops of Atlas jewel cases. It's a pain to work with, occasionally, but it's nice and hard, and I've been able to bond it with both plastic cement and ACC. Pics shortly.