As part of my turnout development effort I have actually been working on some schemes for just this service. One very similar type utilizes a false switch stand as the operating knob. I honestly am confused as to why the switch operating issue with something suitably sized and reasonable looking wasn't addressed years ago.
I've also made an operating stand as the manual operator and I'm still going to try some ideas I have with solenoid coil powered operators. Prototypes have been awaiting the completion of some turnouts for development testing. I feel it's something I
have to consider as an integral part of any turnout effort. Afterall, they don't sell cars without steering wheels, do they?
As I have been working on this I have thought that the operating stand idea would be a natural product for someone like Micro-Trains with their capabilities. It's generic to turnouts and there could be some volume with small Delrin parts and maybe small springs that have to be accurately made. Sounds like a natural for them.
