Hi, after some consideration i have chosen to use some caboose industry’s ground throws, i cant seem to figure out how to attach the darn things to the switch. I am using Atlas code 83 #4 and # 6 switches, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bear.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that the “ground” where you intend to place the ground throw is at the same level as your roadbed. If you’re using cork or other roadbed, use a piece of similar material (or at least similar thickness) to build-up the site for the ground throw.
Next, you’ll probably need to extend the headblock ties upon which the ground throw will sit. Some turnouts have extended ones on both sides - select the side on which you’re going to place the ground throw, then trim off those on the other side. Use the cut-off pieces to extend the ones on the opposite side - I usually affix them in place with white glue (which won’t hold them that securely), then, when the glue has dried, drill each one in the appropriate spot for an Atlas track nail. To determine where that “appropriate spot” actually is, manually position the turnout’s points at the mid-point of their travel. Next, place the handle of the ground throw in a vertical position and carefully engage its actuating pin in the throw bar - different turnouts may require a different connection method. This will place the two holes in the ground throw’s base at a particular spot on the headblocks - use a pin vise to drill accordingly for the Atlas track nails, then, with the points still at the mid-point of their movement and the ground throw’s handle still vertical, spike the ground throw in place. The nails will hold the headblock extensions in place, and they’ll be further secured once you’ve added ballast.
No roadbed here, with the track laid directly atop the plywood, so it was a simple matter to add the headblock extensions and then spike the ground throw in place:
Cork roadbed was used here, so a suitable scrap of the same material, flipped upside down to allow the bevelled edges to mate, was used as a mounting platform:
Thank you very much for the info i am going to do that rite now sounds simple enough. nice pic’s by the way Bear.
I do the same as Wayne, but use a SMALL drop of PL300.
This one’s on the foam. Same way, but I cut a slot for the bar:
Terry
I noticed that around Vancouver the throws are on pads of concrete. It probably has to do with all the rain.[8D] So I had the crews come in and pour little pads of cement one day. (Plastic Molding strips) I then attached the throws with caulk. It holds great. I drilled holes down through my concrete pad and inserted pins and painted the heads black. The pins go through my throw, my concrete pad and into my foam. I put a bit of caulk into the hole before I pushed the pin in.
I will weather the concrete pads once I get to adding the ground cover and ballast. The will then look like is set into the dirt more.
Thanks guys for all the great advice. i was successful in attiching14 of them this afternoon Thanks again. PS. i do like the concrete idea to, i have a few places that would work well.
It’s always very interesting to me to see how different people use their own creativity to attack a problem and solve it in thier own unique way. Great thread, and timely for me as well as i just picked up my first Caboose Ind. ground throw myself as a tester.
Terry, Great RR crossings! What did you use to make the actual crossing and what is the street made of? Looks great!
Yes, The ground throws should be at least nailed if not glued too, according to Dr. Wayne’s instructions.
Tom, the roads are large " for sale" signs from the local big box.
The parts between the rails are smaller signs( thinner). The cracks are thin Sharpies.
Hope it helps!
Terry
Tom, I use Terry’s method for making my concrete/asphalt roads and crossings. But, instead of a Sharpie, I carve my cracks with a dental pick. After the color has been added, I follow it with a wash of rubbing alcohol and India ink.
That’s a neat idea, Marlon!! Do you have any pics? I’d like to see how that looks and give it a try.
Terry