Weekend Update 8/7/11

[sirenwerks]

Have you looked into the click pen linkage for switch throws?

Look up the blog by JustTrainCrazy... I'll see if I can find a link for you.
Lee

http://ccsb2007.blogspot.com/2008/04/pen-operated-switches.html

[DKS]

I definitely need to get a new super fine paint brush, though.

Lee, if there's a Michael's anywhere in your area, I recommend going into the artist brush aisle and looking for brush sets made by Artist's Loft. They offer a set of four synthetic brushes (item #171138) made for acrylics, with 10/0, 5/0, 0 and 1 brushes. The set is about $5, and I think for the money it's a terrific value, considering you can pay more than that for a single brush from the premium line. I have a few of these sets, and they perform about as well as premium brushes. Highly recommended.

[wm3798]

Thanks for that tip...  The closest Michaels is down in Salisbury, but there's a Ben Franklin here in Easton I can check for something similar.
Lee

[cec209]

Lee,
Great beige and blue van. Saw one just like it in France back in the 80's   

Seriousness aside I'm an admirer of your work.

Charlie

[cv_acr]

http://ccsb2007.blogspot.com/2008/04/pen-operated-switches.html

That's kinda brilliant.

I need to decide soon how to throw my turnouts on my HO switching layout (see Layout Engineering Reports section). I want to do something below the table, without ground throws, so the layout can be properly detailed. Trying to decide whether to do something like tortoises, or cheaper manual options like pull rods, choke cables, or something like FastTracks' Bullfrog (basically just pull/push rods with some handy-dandy mountings).

The pen thing looks neat, but I don't know if it has good enough travel for an HO switch?

[wm3798]

I'd say there's plenty.  I'm using bicycle cables under the deck to carry the motion, and I had to leave a little flex in them to take up some of the slack.  A straight line rigid connection would probably provide plenty of travel.

It's certainly a small gamble to rig one up and try it!

Lee

[cv_acr]

I'd say there's plenty.  I'm using bicycle cables under the deck to carry the motion, and I had to leave a little flex in them to take up some of the slack.  A straight line rigid connection would probably provide plenty of travel.

It's certainly a small gamble to rig one up and try it!

Lee

Yeah, certainly wouldn't be out that much in materials if the pen doesn't work.

Gotta build my switch first though...

[inkaneer]

Yeah, certainly wouldn't be out that much in materials if the pen doesn't work.

Gotta build my switch first though...

If it doesn't work you could always use the pen to write it off.