Looking for recommendations for which type of Caboose Ground Throw to use on my turnouts that are relatively close to the edges of my layout. I am rebuilding my layout and have been and will continue to use bull frog turnout controls on most areas of my layout but on nearby turnouts I have decided to use Caboose Ground Throws. My turnouts are Atlas custom line 100code #4, #6 and #8 turnouts. I was looking at #202S ground throws by Caboose, would these be a good throw to use. Thanks for your input.
woodman,
Do any of those turnouts have live frogs - i.e. do they need to have the polarity switched for them to operate correctly? If so, you’ll want the #220S ground throws instead.
Otherwise, the #202S will work just fine for you.
Tom
The Atlas turnouts you’re using should work fine with the 202S Caboose Throws. I’ll also suggest the durable metal throws from Bitter Creek Models http://bittercreekmodels.com/page11.html. Their low profile makes them work well on the edge of the layout as there’s less to snag as you reach past.
This photo from the manufacturers’ site illustrates a throw installed on an Atlas code 100 turnout.
Their nice, but a little on the pricey side, $9.95 is a lot more than the Caboose throws
Woodman:
I’ve switched to all Caboose throws for my layout except for two crossovers. Most of mine are 202s which work very well giving solid closure to the switch points. I also have some 220s in area where I need a visual indication of turnout position. The 220s work well there also and the spdt contacts are fine for powering indicator leds. They would also do a good job of powering switch frogs. The 220s come as a kit and are relatively easy to assemble and once you get the hang of it they go together pretty fast. Once together they are quite robust.
Joe
The 202S is perfect for the Atlas Custom Line turnout. My layout is littered with them.
With some newer Atlas turnouts, I have noticed that it is a tight fit to get the plastic pin on the ground throw to fit into the hole on the turnout throwbar. i use the point of an Xacto knife blade to ream the hole a little larger so that the ground throw pin fits more easily.
Rich
$9.95 for a pair, so about $5 each, but yes you can get Caboose throws for less.
I use caboose bound throws with atlas switches. What I have done was cut the end off the movable part of the switch and drill a small hole so they are able to work with the type I have. I like the look of them and its fun to have my daughter switch them when I need to move a loco.
Yep, pretty much the same here. My layout allows me to easily reach all of my turnout switches (all Atlas Code 100 in various #'s), so I use the Caboose Industries manual sprung ground throws and they work like a charm. Never had an issue with them, and fairly easy to install (once you get one or two under your belt the rest go without a hitch).
Regards, Don.