Turnout control: How do you do it?

[Dave Schneider]

I am in the process of building my first Beer Line module and want to consider the various options to control the turnouts before I go much further. I am using Atlas code 55 so I need a way to keep the points locked in place, and want a fascia mounted system as the rail height is around 60 inches above the floor. I am leaning towards a manual system rather than powered as that seems more realistic for my type of operations (no signals or CTC). Ease of installation is slightly more important to me than cost. I plan on adding switch stands for scenic purposes with that always classy red and white chevron position indicator.

How do YOU do it?

Best wishes, Dave

[wm3798]

For my manual switches, I prefer to use micro slide switches for mechanical and electrical control.  They're unobtrusive, easy to wire and operate, and are pretty much 100% reliable.  You just have to place them in such a way that you're not knocking things over to get to them.

That said, it's also pretty easy to add an actuator that goes out to the fascia.

Lee

[Pomperaugrr]

I was initially using Dan Crowley's "earring backing" manual throws which work great, but I am now switching over to Tam Valley Depot singlets and servos.

Eric

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I used to swear by the Caboose Industries throws, because of the fun tactile experience of working them.

But, they're big, ugly and obvious. These days, I like Lee's approach of the slide switches because they're visually innocuous, highly functional, and cheap.

[DKS]

Might want to consider using slide switches, only mounted under the layout instead of flush with the surface like Lee and some others do, sort of like a cheap substitute for Bluepoints. Use push-pull rods or choke cables to actuate them.

On my last layout I used ME switches, which have spring-loaded points like Pecos, so they didn't need anything to hold the points in place, but I still used slide switches so that the frog could be electrically controlled. If I were to start a new layout today, I'd probably do the same thing, use under-layout slide switches and push-pull rods.

I think Chris333 has a drawing scanned from a magazine showing how to modify and mount a slide switch for this.

[esa123]

I have a switching layout with all manual throws on the prototype so it's probably not unlike your beer line. It has 13 turnouts and I used two of Tam Valley's octopus servo controllers. All my push buttons are located along the fascia and are push button operated with fascia mounts produced by Tam Valley (you can use lighted LED's or toggle switches). Everything works like a charm and it's the easiest way to mount/connect things to the fascia. I'm detailing all my turnouts with switch stands and joint bars so I didn't want anything to detract from those elements (i.e. how horrible caboose industry manual throws look)! With the servos you simple put a single piece of wire through the subroadbed and you're done. One other thing to consider is expandability for the future. If you decide at some point to add DCC to these turnouts (mainly so you could throw turnouts from your throttle) Tam Valley makes it very easy to swap out the octopus controller with stationary DCC servo controllers - the best thing is you can still use your fascia buttons for manual throws!

Hope this helps!
Erik

[wazzou]

What David suggests is the way I have gone about in the past, using Model Airplane gizmos with the yellow rod inside the red rod with a piece of piano wire in the end, connected to the slide switch.  I think there is a similar explanation with schematic on Bill Denton's Kingsbury website.

I like this method because you aren't limited to straight line of sight actuation.  It can be manipulated around obstructions or corners.

[Chris333]

Yep here is my set up:


I change little things here and there, but this is how I do it. I use a 1/8" round file to drill the hole through foam + hollow doors.

[Mark5]

On my last "real" layout I used choke cables to control turnouts, with hand made "actuators" under the turnout to control the electrical.

I will probably use some variation of this once I get this current ball (layout) rolling.

[dwyaneward]

I have done it  couple of ways

Slide Switch with a push rod (HO Layout)



Slide Switch from the edge (N Layout - Peco Code 55)





Caboose from the Edge (N Layout - Atlas Code 80)

[chuck geiger]

http://shilohcurtis.com/images/shiohAndSwitchStand.jpg

[Chris333]

The visible part of mine:

[Bob Bufkin]

New turnout question.  How do you set them up to run on DCC?

[Dave Schneider]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone. I have thought about the surface mounted switches and ground throws, but I think my layout is too high for that solution. I like the elegance of Chris' design. How hard is it to drill a hole in music wire? Is there a commercial version of this style available? I took another look at Bill Denton's Kingsbury site but didn't see anything there. He used to have some modeling tips as I recall but I can't find them anymore. Any other pictures or suggestions welcome.

Thanks again everyone.
Best wishes, Dave

[wcfn100]

How hard is it to drill a hole in music wire?

What? 


Jason