Keystone Details now offers a magnetic turnout throw for Atlas Custom line

[peteski]

Well, in theory, the micro switch would keep the points against the rail, in concert with piano wire or something similar.

I guess I was misunderstanding. To me "micro switch" is one of those switches with a plunger (and sometimes a lever attached) that has a spring-loaded plunger. Like the switches inside a computer mouse.  I guess then nkalanga meant a "miniture SPST or DPDT slide switch". That makes sense now.

[Lemosteam]

I can tell you without a doubt that the wired solution will work.  the lack of robustness was from the common post approach I took: A steel 00-90 screw threaded into the (very thin) throwbar that requred a brass sleeve and a soldered wire.  The screw and throwbar became loose and was very flexible leading to reliability issues.  BUT, the PB wire delivered perfect continuity to the frog every time, when the screw stayed properly secured.  The design also required initial shimming to center the screw on the magnets.

The C80 design above self centers based on the design of the turnout parts limiting tolerance accumulation issues.

Here is an old image of my original C55 concept that I plan to revise similar to the C80 design above when @Ed Kapuscinski threw the idea at me.  Red and black wires carry track power and the green wire goes to the frog.  Flex wire will make this very robust the only wire that actually moves is the green wire and this could be looped and secured to the bottom of the switch a few ties away to allow for the wire to flex within the pocket that would need to be provided.  The red and black wires will never move.

The simplicity is quite remarkable, if I do say so myself.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

All I ask is my own cabana when you buy your island with the proceeds.

[wcfn100]

What about ballasting?  It's not hard to imagine glue or ballast messing with the sliding mechanism.


Jason

[Lemosteam]

That issue exists with or without this, no?

Most folks try hard to prevent paint and ballast in this area don’t they? This kinda fills the gaps in between the throwbar and guide ties, so that may even help.

@Ed Kapuscinski all I can offer is a 3D printed N Scale cabana...

[nscalbitz]

You MAY want to coreect the thread title... 

[Lemosteam]

You MAY want to coreect the thread title... 

If I meant Kadee, I would have used Kadee. Many folks refer to Keystone Details as KD, and it leaves more characters for the title!

 

[peteski]

If I meant Kadee, I would have used Kadee. Many folks refer to Keystone Details as KD, and it leaves more characters for the title!

 

No John, it is the other word.  Try again. 
But KD also confuses me because first thing that comes to my mind is Kadee.

[nickelplate759]

On the other hand, although it might be a typo of "turnout", it would also make a dandy trademark name for this device.

[Lemosteam]

On the other hand, although it might be a typo of "turnout", it would also make a dandy trademark name for this device.

Wait, is Magne-matic still taken? Lol

[peteski]

Wait, is Magne-matic still taken? Lol

JOhn, I know it is hard to believe, but we were being serious.  Reread the subject line.

"KD now offersing a magnetic trurout throw"  I make typos all the time, so I can relate. Or are you shooting for another banner image like "piling grapes"? 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@Ed Kapuscinski all I can offer is a 3D printed N Scale cabana...

You know what, I'll take an H3 kit.

I just won one of the Athearn engines on eBay so I can do one for myself now too.

Now to find "NCR" decals (in the PRR style).

[glakedylan]

waiting to find the H3 kits on the website?
been checking each day...
hoping they will be available soon or if there's a different route to follow
in order to get them?

sincerely
Gary

[Lemosteam]

Atlas C55 almost complete:

Design is shown in centered (pseudo) position. center mag travels until contact with outer mag carrying polarity through the mag to the frog in either position.  PB wire is fed through the holders and bent.  Magnets snap into the holders and interfere with the PB wires and traps them in place and maintains continuity.  +, - and frog wires are then soldered to the P, for continuity.

[jargonlet]

I am really looking forward to these.