MILW N Scale Switch Stand

[Bryn]

Just a quick little project to pass the time today, a Milwaukee Road switch stand.

I started with some 10 thou brass strip which was filed to width and cut to length. This was then formed up using round nose pliers for the base and a fold & fold for the top section. All was soldered with paste and an iron.

The red and white indicator was printed on normal printer paper and cut to shape, on the second attempt I pre-faded it to give the impression of age. The green diamond is simple green paper attached with tacky glue.

[C855B]

Nice!

[GaryHinshaw]

Yes - very impressive!

[Philip H]

Interesting approach - it looks like more an indicator then an actual throw - I assume from the installed picture you have under table switch machines of some sort?

[Bryn]

Hi Philip,

It's based on the photo linked below;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/14488898@N02/36114076030/

My American terminology isn't great, I'm guessing a switch stand is the prototype name for a device which can change the direction of a switch (turnout) where an indicator is something for switches operated remotely or on spring return switches?

Yes, I use Blue Point switch machine turnout controllers under my layout;

https://www.micromark.com/Blue-Point-Switch-MachineTurnout-Controller

[Philip H]

Hi Philip,

It's based on the photo linked below;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/14488898@N02/36114076030/

My American terminology isn't great, I'm guessing a switch stand is the prototype name for a device which can change the direction of a switch (turnout) where an indicator is something for switches operated remotely or on spring return switches?

Yes, I use Blue Point switch machine turnout controllers under my layout;

https://www.micromark.com/Blue-Point-Switch-MachineTurnout-Controller

So the American term is, correctly, Switch stand - I was more talking about functions.  A scale switch stand would still potentially throw thr switch - and in HO and larger scales often does.  I didn't see any mechanism for that in your photos, so I called it an indicator since your blue points actually move the turnout.

Still looks great no matter what name you call it.

[Lemosteam]

Does your throwbar actually rotate the indicator? if yes 

[Bryn]

Thanks guys,

It sadly doesn't work, but you've got me thinking if I could make it move when the tie bar is operated.

Watch this space...

[Lemosteam]

Thanks guys,

It sadly doesn't work, but you've got me thinking if I could make it move when the tie bar is operated.

Watch this space...

Yep, just need a crank coming down through the bracket and a slot across the throwbar.

[C855B]

Yep, just need a crank coming down through the bracket and a slot across the throwbar.

...just...?   


 

[narrowminded]

...just...?   


 

Yes!  Assuming a typical switch throw between .035" and .045", all you need is an accurate crank with an adjustable arm between .025" and .032" and its pivot points and throw distances having virtually zero play.  That will be important as just a few thousandths error will introduce large rotational movement. That never looks good on a switch stand target.  Other than that....

I've actually worked on this which explains my familiarity.  I have a few approaches that work but each runs into issues depending on operating method and maintaining something close to scale fidelity.  Assuming I can work it out, look for something coming after my turnouts are completed.   I will be working on this as I think it would be a very cool feature but it's not easy.  Not in the proportions dictated by N scale.

[C855B]

Oh, I've been there:

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Hence my comment above. Tolerances vs. slop is a very big issue here.

[Tallmatt]

Neat work mate, it fits nicely into the scene.