Atlas Code 55 Switch Control Options

[Dave V]

Okay guys,

I'm thinking sometime in the future (after I move to Nebraska this summer) I'm going to replace my oversized Code 80 track with Atlas Code 55.

...and there was much rejoicing!!!...

Here's the rub...  My layout is mounted on a hollow-core door with 2" extruded foam on top.  My current track has no turnout control devices (I use the Peco internal spring mechanism and throw the turnouts by hand).  However, since the layout is portable and has to move with me wherever the Air Force sends me, I can't have giant Tortoise machines dangling below the layout.  The flatter the bottom of the layout, the better.

I know Caboose ground throws are an option.  But I'd prefer something a tad less intrusive.  What are my options?  C'mon smart guys!  I know you know!!!

[Mark5]

Nebraska?

[Dave V]

Nebraska?

Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, NE.

[Wlal13again]

Nebraska?

Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, NE.

Funny, When I think Air Force I think of places like Nellis AFB in Vegas, Eglin AFB in Fort Walton Beach Fl, etc. Sounds like something the Army would do, put a post in Nebraska.

[diezmon]

I'm using the mark bridgewater method.. running model RC type links to the switches, then connect a slider switch for the throwing action.  It's simple, works well, and you can route power easily

[Dave V]

Now that's an option!  I'd love to hear more about that...!

Here's the other rub, though.  I have a plywood box that goes over the layout when I move; the fascia comes off and the box is mounted to the door.  Now, can I mount the slider switches on the underside of the layout, or must I recess them into the side?

In a pinch I could cut away part of the fascia and mount them there, but if I could drop the cables to the underside and have the controls there, right by the layout edge, that might be a better option.

I should caveat that while I can't have really big things on the underside of the layout; I have a few inches to play with because the table legs when folded allow about 3-4" of clearance from the bottom of the table.  I can mount something that's about 3" tall and have a reasonable expectation of it surviving.

[Mark5]

Nebraska?

Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, NE.

Ah, I hope visit that part of the country some day (as part of a PNW trip). ;D

[diezmon]

My sliders will be mounted horizontally, along the front of the layout.. but you could always curve the tube downward.. and have the switches vertically mounted in the fascia.. know what I mean?

I'm using styrene tubes, with .015 wire.. and have found I can still curve it pretty sharp, and be able to move the wire.  Some guys use the actual cables from RC planes.. Bill Denton does that..  those suckers are very flexible..

Or, some guys use those micro slider switches, and mount them directly next to the turnout.. they're really small, much smaller than the caboose throws..

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Dave, I use the caboose industries throws, but bury them below grade. You've seen this, right?

http://conrail1285.com/news.asp?storyid=31



It's not perfect. But it tends to work. However, some operators have complained because they can't get to the throws easily. I've also had some luck in just recessing them into a regular styrofoam sheet, but it can be tricky.

[asciibaron]

some tubing and brass wire and some ground throws. 

-steve

[CVSNE]

Dave,

I've been using the Blue Point mechnisms by New Rail Techologies  -

http://www.newrailmodels.com/Products/Accessories/BluePoint/BluePoint.htm

they look like Tortoises except they're much smaller.

I decided to try them for this N scale project layout I'm building but have liked them enough I'll probably install them on my HO Southern New England.

Marty

[John]

Nebraska?

Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, NE.

Are you a weather guy?

[Dave V]

Marty,

I've seen those, and they definitely look cool.  Question: about how far below benchwork do they hang?  Also, can you wire two of them together for a crossover?  Independent switch control in a crossover is kind of a dumb idea.  I've T-boned trains that way before.

[Dave V]

Nebraska?

Headquarters Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, NE.

Are you a weather guy?

That's correct!  I'm actually in my third year right now as a meterology PhD student (which is why I have time for messing around here!).  My other two degrees are also meteorology.  I'm an active-duty Major, but full-time student status.

Before I hear the chorus of "on my taxpayer's dime?," I pulled my fair share of deployments to get this job! ;D

[wm3798]

Or, some guys use those micro slider switches, and mount them directly next to the turnout.. they're really small, much smaller than the caboose throws..

This is your best bet.  Compact, can be mounted entirely above the surface of the door, and has the added thrill of power routing for the frogs.  I like the clever disguise, too...

Lee