N scale point machines?

[arbomambo]

Hello all,
Do any N scale point machines exist? Non- operating obviously.
Seems like an important trackside detail and I have need of a few for my crossover module.
Yet, I’m coming up empty in searches.

[randgust]

DKS made some real beauties a while ago out of resin.   Understandably, they haven't been made in a while.

But David did a really nice job of these, there's a master out there somewhere (nudge).   It's right beside the fuel tank here.    I got about half a dozen of them on the ATSF layout where they belong.

[arbomambo]

I remember these (I used them on an NTRAK module), and he made several versions designed to fit on unitrack and true track.
Are there no replacements and alternatives?

[peteski]

@Lemosteam has them available as a 3D printed item which also doubles as a switch throw.

[Point353]

Do any N scale point machines exist? Non- operating obviously.
Seems like an important trackside detail and I have need of a few for my crossover module.
Yet, I’m coming up empty in searches.

PECO SL-347. https://www.walthers.com/dummy-point-motor





Multiscale Digital GRS 5A switch motor:
https://multiscale.digital/collections/n-1-160/products/n-scale-grs-model-5a-model-railroad-switch-motor-models-3-pack

[arbomambo]

Thanks!

[rgengineoiler]

Hello Bruce;  6 to 8 ?, years ago I purchased N scale point motors from Norm's Train World.  Dummy's of course, from a manufacturer,  NZT Products.  Product number ND-009 with an msrp of $6.00 for two to a pack and $4.95 retail.  I still have six or seven packs left to install on the layout.  I don't know what happened but NZT stopped making them.  Got a hold of the owner and he said legal problems and health reasons for not making more.  At that time I searched the web and bought all I could find from dealers.  My thought is that after all this time one could get someone to 3D print them.  Don't know the legals though.  The product had a very nice solid plastic point motor and head block too N Scale and were made in USA.  The package also states that Laser mastering was done by Stonebridge Models.com.

I took the modeling a bit further and extended the head blocks so the motor would slide on them and epoxied a thin brass wire to the Peco throw bar and the point motor.  My hand throw point motors slide on the head blocks with a very short throw.  I painted the motors sliver, the very short brass rod flat black.  These have been working for years with no issues.  Just to give you idea's.   Doug     

[Philip H]

Hello Bruce;  6 to 8 ?, years ago I purchased N scale point motors from Norm's Train World.  Dummy's of course, from a manufacturer,  NZT Products.  Product number ND-009 with an msrp of $6.00 for two to a pack and $4.95 retail.  I still have six or seven packs left to install on the layout.  I don't know what happened but NZT stopped making them.  Got a hold of the owner and he said legal problems and health reasons for not making more. 

NZT was the brand name for the work of @DKS as mentioned above.

[arbomambo]

Hello Bruce;  6 to 8 ?, years ago I purchased N scale point motors from Norm's Train World.  Dummy's of course, from a manufacturer,  NZT Products.  Product number ND-009 with an msrp of $6.00 for two to a pack and $4.95 retail.  I still have six or seven packs left to install on the layout.  I don't know what happened but NZT stopped making them.  Got a hold of the owner and he said legal problems and health reasons for not making more.  At that time I searched the web and bought all I could find from dealers.  My thought is that after all this time one could get someone to 3D print them.  Don't know the legals though.  The product had a very nice solid plastic point motor and head block too N Scale and were made in USA.  The package also states that Laser mastering was done by Stonebridge Models.com.

I took the modeling a bit further and extended the head blocks so the motor would slide on them and epoxied a thin brass wire to the Peco throw bar and the point motor.  My hand throw point motors slide on the head blocks with a very short throw.  I painted the motors sliver, the very short brass rod flat black.  These have been working for years with no issues.  Just to give you idea's.   Doug     

I appreciate your offer but I placed a couple of orders for the multiscale items listed above.
Thanks again,

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Those Multiscale things are cool! I had no idea that company existed.

[arbomambo]

thanks again for the replies...
the Multiscale digital GRS switch machines arrived in the post yesterday and are now in place on the module...
They seem a little oversized but look very good...

[glakedylan]

thanks for sharing
Gary

[Point353]

the Multiscale digital GRS switch machines arrived in the post yesterday and are now in place on the module...
They seem a little oversized but look very good...

The following link is for switch machine product literature from General Railway Signal Co. in 1930:
http://www.rrsignalpix.com/pdf/GRS_161_ocr_sec.pdf
 
Also, here's a prototype photo for comparison:

[Maletrain]

I am starting to like the idea of having models of switch machines cover the operating tabs or other throw mechanisms for manual switches, rather than running cables or push rods to the table edge.  Besides serving as camouflage and  being simpler, it tends to take me more into the scene, throwing a mechanism by the actual switch like the real brakemen needed to do, rather than by some sort of remote control.  I can live with needing to manually slide what looks like a prototype remote control, especially since some of those real machines provide for manual throw, too.   On the other hand, if you like to think of yourself as a tower operator, ...

[peteski]

I am starting to like the idea of having models of switch machines cover the operating tabs or other throw mechanisms for manual switches, rather than running cables or push rods to the table edge.  Besides serving as camouflage and  being simpler, it tends to take me more into the scene, throwing a mechanism by the actual switch like the real brakemen needed to do, rather than by some sort of remote control.  I can live with needing to manually slide what looks like a prototype remote control, especially since some of those real machines provide for manual throw, too.   On the other hand, if you like to think of yourself as a tower operator, ...

@Lemosteam has this exact setup available for purchases.  His  (properly-scaled?) 3D printed machine also doubles as a switch slide.