I am building a switching layout and the minimum clearance between many of the tracks is 2.0 inches (some less), on center. I am wondering how close can these ground throws be to the track (i. e. how short can I cut the throw bar) in order to be clear of the neighboring track as well as the switch that this throw is operating? Is there an NMRA standard for this?
Thanks,
Tom
Oh, I meant to tell you, these are Caboose Industries throws.
Tom
I work in N-scale and my regular caboose ground throws need an inch for clearance yet the electrical contact throws require 1-3/8’s clearance. I do have one spot where I did not want to reach accross the tracks so I ran a wire about 3" long to activate the turnout.
Hope this helps.
Some track manf. make switches that can have the throws on either side. I dont know what brand you use (I also dont model “N”), but try that if its possible. Its also more prototypical to have throws on safer side. Its rare, but Ive seen on yard so tight they had a couple of switch bars running under the next track over before hooking up the throw.
snagletooth
Tom,
You can use a piano wire link to put the throw almost anywhere you want it either side of the track. And you can cut quiet a bit off the end opposite the link.
I am modeling in HO with Atlas Customline turnouts, and using Caboose Industry ground throws. I have tracks which are on 2 inch centers, and it is possible to squeeze the ground throws in between. I cut off the “T” shaped extension on the throw bar and use a wire to link the center hole in the throw bar with the hole in the ground throw. I also trim off the ground throw extension with the downward pin. The wire links are about .800 inches long.
Jim
I really like the look of the caboose throws. Can you still power them if you put these on the switch?