Switch Machines

[lock4244]

As an aside to the thread I started on track, how about switch machines? I'm interested in using electric switch machines on mainline "dispatcher controlled" switches and am looking for opinions on the best kind. Also, anyone have experience with the manual ones made by Hump Yard Purveyance http://www.humpyard.com/? I'm interested in these for use on "manual remote" type switches (yard/industry sidings, etc). What about ground throws? I'm not too cool on them because they seem like they'd be a pain in the butt if things were pretty busy on the layout (reaching over trains and such), but I'm still interested in opinions on these, too.

Thanks

[3rdrail]

One can make very efffective manual remote linkage using nothing more than music wire, brass tubing, aluminum tubing, brads, and small knobs. Chris333 has a diagram, hopefully he'll add it to the topic. That's what I plan to use. Or you can buy Eschelman turnout links at for less that those Hump Yard things.

http://www.cocry.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=YOHP

[wm3798]

For the remote, Dispatcher operated ones, I highly recommend Tortoise machines.  In addition to a virtually bulletproof mechanism, they provide additional electrical contacts which make it possible to add indicator lights to your control panel, or manage power to the frog, signals, or any other accessory related to the polarity of the turnout.

Lee

[sizemore]

I've been using Blue Point Switch controls. They are manual and require some kind of "throw" lever, but to me they're better than caboose industry ground throws, additionally they allow powered frogs when wired.

[oakcreekco]

+1 on the Tortious units.

I like to mount all machines "underneath" the table, but next to the removeable fascia board. I then use the above mentioned "rod" method, or RC aircraft control rods. They all last forever,

If there's ever a ploblem, just remove the fascia board, and all the machine and wiring are "right there". I also used some "quick connects" to the machine, so if a machine does fail, no unsoldering/resoldering is needed.

[Hutch]

+1 on the Tortious units.

I like to mount all machines "underneath" the table, but next to the removeable fascia board. I then use the above mentioned "rod" method, or RC aircraft control rods.

Do you have any photos or a link that would describe how to integrate the rc control rods? You idea about keep the switch machines close to the rear of the fascia is a very good one! Thank you.

[inkaneer]

Why electric machines?   Have you considered pneumatic machines?  Virtually indestructable and will not burn out.  The mechanisnm is simple just a piston working against a spring.  Air presure forces the piston one way the spring returns it.  These machines were once popular in HO back in the forties and fifties.  Now they are the darlings of the outdoor RR guys due to their ability to function in all types of weather.  The actual machines are fairly cheap but the actuating toggle valves are pricey.  Still you get a machine that you won't have to worry about burning up.  Last time I priced them [with toggle valves] they were somewhat more than an Atlas machine with push buttons.  For pneumatic machines go here:

http://www.cocry.com/

However if you want to go electric there is a motor driven switch machine made by Scale shops.  Go here:

 http://scaleshops.com/index.html

[Bruce Bird]

Tortoise machines on the electrical turnouts, and Bluepoints everywhere else.

The Bluepoints are very easy to install, have the power-routing contacts, and the throw mechanism is easy.  Just buy a package of Godenrod push rods for RC airplanes (the blue tube is the best) and make sure you pick up a 12 pack of Great Planes clevices for 2-56 threaded rods.  Attach the clevices to the Bluepoint throw nubs- they are ready made for them.  Run the throw tube out the front of your fascia and attach a cheap wooden toy wheel (or other type of 'knob') to the yellow throw rod in the tube and voila!  A cheap and very dependable tunout mechanism is in place.

[oakcreekco]

Hutch, I'm sorry, that's one thing I wanted to take pics of, but I didn't. Then my cheapo digital went belly up.

I use a combination of brass tube, with wire through it, and the red/yellow colored RC control rods.

You'll be suprised how the mind starts thinking when you tinker with this method.