Atlas C55 turnout self-contained micro switch mount

[Jim Costello]

John, I like what you have been doing with this. As I make my own points do you think your bracket/switch could be fitted to one. I could extend the PCB  ties either side of the throw bar to support the switch
bracket either by glueing or if needed, soldering a plate supporting the switch, to the ties.

Can you give details of the switch you are using,will have to see if we can get them down under or from Digi-key etc

Jim

[Lemosteam]

John, I like what you have been doing with this. As I make my own points do you think your bracket/switch could be fitted to one. I could extend the PCB  ties either side of the throw bar to support the switch
bracket either by glueing or if needed, soldering a plate supporting the switch, to the ties.

Can you give details of the switch you are using,will have to see if we can get them down under or from Digi-key etc

Jim

I posted the link to the exact switch at Digikey here:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=38425.0

If you can match the spacing between the throwbar guides to the Atlas turnout, I see no reason why it won't work. 

A cross section looks like this. The two lower rectangles mount to the bottom of the ties which are the two upper rectangles directly above them.  The space in between is filled with the upper material of the clip (with the switch handle poking up through the clip) and is flush with the top of the ties.  Hope that helps.
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[John]

A lulzbot will do ABS

?
What the heck are you talking about?

[Jim Costello]

Thank you.I will see what I can come up with.
Jim

[glakedylan]

?
What the heck are you talking about?

https://www.lulzbot.com/
another 3D printing source/resource

sincerely
Gary

[Lemosteam]

Thank you.I will see what I can come up with.
Jim

@Jim Costello , the measurement between them is 4.65mm.

[Jim Costello]

From the Fast Tracks jig thats about the same measurement between the ties.
Jim

[Lemosteam]

I have just made a 30 pack available to anyone who wants to test them:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/3HUJXQUWH/30pk-dpdt-switch-mntfor-n-scale-atlas-c55-turnout?li=shop-results&optionId=59370279

Enhanced design with longer mounting surface, longer catch tabs for better grip of the switch.  Looking for wire bending ideas so I can design a bending jig in Shapeways, TBD.

[rschaffter]

That's pretty cool!

I certainly would have bought some had I not already set mine up with a toggle-switch based mechanism...

[Lemosteam]

That's pretty cool!

I certainly would have bought some had I not already set mine up with a toggle-switch based mechanism...

@rschaffter Thanks!!  EVERY layout has room for expansion!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And I have 30 of em in black on their way. I'll be glad to get that part of track laying sorted out, since it's going to shortly be the "tall pole" holding things up.

[glakedylan]

I have just made a 30 pack available to anyone who wants to test them:

ordered a set of 30
thanks for offering them and in black material
sincerely
Gary

[narrowminded]

The link is for a 6 volt switch.  Is that the proper one?

[Lemosteam]

The link is for a 6 volt switch.  Is that the proper one?

It is identical ti the radio shack specs on their package.

[peteski]

The link is for a 6 volt switch.  Is that the proper one?

These switches are nice and small, and the price is right, but they are not the world's most robust switches. There is a reason why these are inexpensive and small.  Personally, I don't think they will last a long time on a layout with regular operating sessions (if used on yard ladders or some other turnouts which are flipped several times during frequent operating sessions).

If you look at the specs sheet on Digikey website, here are more details:

CONTACT RATING: 6 VDC @ 0.3A ELECTRICAL LIFE: 5,000 make-and-break cycles.
CONTACT RATING: 30 VDC @ 0.1A ELECTRICAL LIFE: 15,000 make-and-break cycles.

CONTACT RESISTANCE: 70 mili-ohm max.
INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100 Mega ohm min. @ 500V.
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500 VAC min. @ sea level.
HOUSING: 4/6 nylon (UL94V-2), black.
ACTUATOR: 4/6 nylon (UL94V-2), black.
CONTACTS: Copper alloy, silver plated.
TERMINALS: Brass, silver plated

These are delicate switches and not designed for frequent usage. But since they will be usually be toggled while no train is traveling through the turnout (no current flowing while switching), they might last longer than the specs.  The spec gives their life span while the switch is operated under load (so there is arcing while the switch is toggled). With no arcing, the contacts will last longer.