Mounting Slide Switch Turnout Controls Anywhere

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I just posted a quick article about the slide switch mounting technique I used on my styrofoam shelf layout.

http://conrail1285.com/mounting-slide-switch-turnout-controls-anywhere/

Basically, I use a plastic base to attach the slide switch to the turnout, avoiding having to rely on the layout for alignment or support.

[mu26aeh]

Excellent write up !  I have a question regarding wiring on these switches.  I've seen other people use these and they have power routed to them and the track.  What is the point of this ?

[garethashenden]

Excellent write up !  I have a question regarding wiring on these switches.  I've seen other people use these and they have power routed to them and the track.  What is the point of this ?

To power the frog. The polarity or the frog has to change with the switch, otherwise there will be a short.

[Scottl]

Thanks for writing this up.  I came up with a similar approach and I like how it works in foam benchwork.

When it comes to ballasting, any thoughts on how to keep the switch from freezing up with the glue?  Would a spray of WD40 or oil keep the switch moving and still functional for powering the frog?

[davefoxx]

Scott,

I paint full strength white glue in the immediate area around the slide switch and apply ballast.  When this sets up, I then can ballast the rest of the turnout and not have to be so worried about ballast getting inside the slide switch.  Since I have been using just diluted white glue (2/3 water 1/3 glue) to glue the ballast down, it doesn't seem to stick to the turnout parts, so I haven't found a need to use oil (as some do) to keep the turnout free.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[Scottl]

Thanks Dave, that seems sensible.  I'm a flood-it kind of ballasting person, but I might need to change my strategy to yours when I ballast my yard.