Atlas C55 turnout self-contained micro switch mount

[Lemosteam]

These switches are nice and small, and the price is right, but they are not the world's most robust switches. There is a reason why these are inexpensive and small.  Personally, I don't think they will last a long time on a layout with regular operating sessions (if used on yard ladders or some other turnouts which are flipped several times during frequent operating sessions).

If you look at the specs sheet on Digikey website, here are more details:

CONTACT RATING: 6 VDC @ 0.3A ELECTRICAL LIFE: 5,000 make-and-break cycles.
CONTACT RATING: 30 VDC @ 0.1A ELECTRICAL LIFE: 15,000 make-and-break cycles.

CONTACT RESISTANCE: 70 mili-ohm max.
INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100 Mega ohm min. @ 500V.
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500 VAC min. @ sea level.
HOUSING: 4/6 nylon (UL94V-2), black.
ACTUATOR: 4/6 nylon (UL94V-2), black.
CONTACTS: Copper alloy, silver plated.
TERMINALS: Brass, silver plated

These are delicate switches and not designed for frequent usage. But since they will be usually be toggled while no train is traveling through the turnout (no current flowing while switching), they might last longer than the specs.  The spec gives their life span while the switch is operated under load (so there is arcing while the switch is toggled). With no arcing, the contacts will last longer.

15000 cycles unloaded sounds pretty good.

These are the ones folks that use them have been recommending for eternity here..., no?

[peteski]

15000 cycles unloaded sounds pretty good.

These are the ones folks that use them have been recommending for eternity here..., no?

I am going strictly by the specs since I have never used those specific switches.  If they have good a track record  then they should be ok.

[narrowminded]

Thinking more about it, they should be fine and prior experience I wasn't aware of suggests the same.  As was remarked, they won't be switching under load which makes a real difference for any switch/ relay and the environment should be pretty good so yeah, it sounds good!  Plus, easy enough to replace as an above board piece.  And the air operator looks like it makes a decent dust (ballast) shroud as well as something to get a finger on to operate easily. Looks pretty nice all around.  I REALLY like the above board part whenever possible.   

[Pomperaugrr]

I just ordered a 30 pack in black too.  Thanks for making this available.  I am looking forward to trying these out.

Eric

[Upstate Gator]

I ordered a set in black as well.

What size and type of wire are you all using to the throwbar?

Ben

[Lemosteam]

Thanks for the orders everybody.

@Upstate Gator , the wire I used is 0.015" phosphor bronze. Kinda wish I had a diameter between that and 0.010" Which I think would be too flexible.

I can't even remember where I got it from.

[mmagliaro]

Thanks for the orders everybody.

@Upstate Gator , the wire I used is 0.015" phosphor bronze. Kinda wish I had a diameter between that and 0.010" Which I think would be too flexible.

I can't even remember where I got it from.

It's your lucky day.  There is!
Tichy Train Group sells .0125" phosphor bronze wire.

You could also go with .010" steel music wire, which would be stiffer than .010 phosphor bronze, but more flexible
than .015 phosphor bronze.