I'm a newbie, and I can't decide which turnout system to use. Even after searching the guage. I have #4 Mark 3 turnouts (HO), and I plan on doing alot of switching. I would love to draw on all the vast experience out there as to your idea of the best system or combination to use. Electric switches and tortoises I pretty much understand but not ground throws. They are for hands on aren't they? Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanx, gmbrd
Ground Throws, switches or tortoises?(sp)
- Thread starter gmbrd
- Start date
Ground Throws are just hand operated devices that sit next to the switch and keep it in position. Snap switches come with one mounted; other outfits make them for all makes of switches.
Only problem is, they're our of scale. Anything in scale would disintegrate when you turned the switch. So you compromise -- if you like operation you put 'em in and ignore what tyhey look like; if you area scenery fanatic you find another way or mount them at the edge of the layout and run wire-in-tube to the switches.
Whether you use hand operated or electrically operated? Your railroad, your budget. Use both -- electric operation for switches that are farther away or where you need the electric contacts.
Only problem is, they're our of scale. Anything in scale would disintegrate when you turned the switch. So you compromise -- if you like operation you put 'em in and ignore what tyhey look like; if you area scenery fanatic you find another way or mount them at the edge of the layout and run wire-in-tube to the switches.
Whether you use hand operated or electrically operated? Your railroad, your budget. Use both -- electric operation for switches that are farther away or where you need the electric contacts.
Hi gmbrd
Welcome to the gauge.
For my point control I use the stud and contact method utilizing a capacitor discharge unit, which has a 16 volt output for my PL10 point motors which I use to throw the points. The reason I prefer stud and contact over momentary switches (To throw the points) is I only need two tiny nuts and bolts (Brass) fitted to each point on the control panel.
Here is what my control panel looks like, notice the nuts and bolts, these are my stud and probe contact for changing point direction. You will also notice that I have two switches per block, the reason, I could only buy D.P.D.T without centre off, so I had to put in beside the D.P.D.T.'s a separate on/off switch.
Welcome to the gauge.
For my point control I use the stud and contact method utilizing a capacitor discharge unit, which has a 16 volt output for my PL10 point motors which I use to throw the points. The reason I prefer stud and contact over momentary switches (To throw the points) is I only need two tiny nuts and bolts (Brass) fitted to each point on the control panel.
Here is what my control panel looks like, notice the nuts and bolts, these are my stud and probe contact for changing point direction. You will also notice that I have two switches per block, the reason, I could only buy D.P.D.T without centre off, so I had to put in beside the D.P.D.T.'s a separate on/off switch.
There is a page on one way to install a Caboose Industries ground throw on the NMRA Beginner Pages at:
http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ground_throw.html
That might be of some help to you in making a choice.
http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ground_throw.html
That might be of some help to you in making a choice.
March 1993 Model Railroader has an article on "working switchstands for walkaround operation" which shows how to construct good looking ground throws, that are small and reliable, using brass tubing.
Pete
Pete