Mechanically operated turn-outs?

[Gary S.]

Instead of using electrically operate remote turn-outs, does anyone have info on mechanically operating them with a push-rod type device under the lay-out, or perhaps a cable in a housing or some type of arrangement?

 

[MasonJar]

There are lots of options here. www.humpyard.com makes an interesting "protoypical" lever that connects via a choke-cable type arrangement. There have also been articles in MR about how to do this, even including a small electricl switch for those turnouts with electro-frogs.

Andrew

 

[jim currie]

there was artical years back on using springs and string and one i rember was on using hydraulics for switch power.

 

[60103]

Wire-in-tube is a popular English method. They have supplies of the stuff, but I couldn't get it when I needed it. They also have miniature (not scale) signal box levers to operate it.
The wire and tube that aeroplane modellers use should work. A slight bend will make the tube hold the wire more stiffly. I use similar methods to connect switch machines when I can't get near the switch. Stich a knob on the end or melt it into a plastic thumb tack.

 

[Russ Bellinis]

You can get choke cables from your local auto parts store, and cut them to the length you need.

 

[TrainClown]

Take a look at this.

http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/model-book/manual-throws/manual-throws.html

TrainClown

 

[Waldbahner]

Here is another idea. I'll use them on my Westside-Layout in N-scale.

http://www.us-waldbahnen.de/Basteln/N/N_e.htm#1

Gerd

 

[shortliner]

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UNB9Q0KCNcVezu_vMyP8Fk3wWcvtFgn3aI9ToAsfDnHxMnf_gf3YZ2X0cuhxdUULtOczQB5PpU8Pfrynboyq/Image5.jpg_.jpghttp://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UNB9Q0KCNcVezu_.jpgImage5.jpg[url="http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UNB9Q0KCNcVezu_vMyP8http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/UNB9Q0KCNcVezu_vMyP8Fk3wWcvtFgn3aI9ToAsfDnHxMnf_gf3YZ2X0cuhxdUULtOczQB5PpU8Pfrynboyq/Image5.jpgFk3wWcvtFgn3aI9ToAsfDnHxMnf_gf3YZ2X0cuhxdUULtOczQB5PpU8Pfrynboyq/Image5.jpg"]Image5.jpg[/url]
will get you a diagram that may be what you want - drawn by me
Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands

 

[Gary S.]

Excellent links, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

 

[Russ Bellinis]

One other possibility for turnouts near the front of the bench work is to use Peco turnouts. They have a spring on the points. You can just use your finger to move the points. As soon as the spring goes over center, it snaps the points to the other position.