I am needing some help deciding what ground throws from Caboose Ind I would need. I am using Atlas #4 and #6 turnouts and not for sure which ones to get. I am using manual turnouts on all my turnouts on my layout just to have more of a hands on approach with the layout instead of electronic switches.
Thanks
Brad
Brad:
I have the same mix of Atlas #4 and #6 turnouts (Customline) that you have and am using Caboose Industries #202S ground throws. They work very well for me. I modify the Atlas plastic throwbar by cutting it off short and drilling a hole in it to accept the pin on the ground throw. Just remember that you will need a method to power your frogs if you need to. I don’t have any experience with the ground throws that have the built in SPDT contacts that Caboose Industries make.
Joe
Brad,
Most of my turnouts are powered by Tortoises, but I do have some Atlas #4 and #6 turnouts (Customline) that are manually thrown. Like Joe, I use the Caboose Industries #202S. I do not power those frogs on the turnouts. They work fine as is.
Rich
The “S” on the product number of Caboose Industries groundthrows indicates “sprung”, which is (IMHO) definately preferable. The sprung style assist in holding the points against the stock rail for good contact, and also gives you just a “squinch” more room in lining them up and mounting them. The 202S is very durable and will last for many many years.
Bill
What Rich and Bill said. I have mine on cork and had to nibble the Caboose pin that goes through the tie a little to keep it from dragging. Nothing is glued together for easier replacement - which you will eventually have to do.
ratled
I wouldn’t use any manual throws for turnouts that are not at the front edge of your layout, unless you can mount the throws at the edge and run a wire extension to the turnout.
On my previous layout I used manual throws on turnouts that were only a foot back and ran into trouble hitting the scenery and reaching over some tracks.
On my present layout I do have some turnouts back from the edge, but I used extension wires so I could mount the throws at the edge.
Guys, thanks for the reply’s. I figured I would need the 202s for the throws after looking at the website. Appreciate the response’s.
gandydancer19, I thought about that, but most of my layout is going to be modeled after the midwest where things around me are very flat and I may not have the problem you do. I will keep that in mind when I do my scene’s though.
Definitely use the “sprung” ground throws. I use the CI 204S ground throws with #4 turnouts - a PIA to build, but look great.
I also use Caboose Industries 202S ground throws. They have worked very well for many years now on my BNSF Montana Division. PW
I guess sprung (S) ground throws for turnouts without springs (Atlas?) and non-sprung ground throws for turnouts with springs (Peco C83)?
I used the 202S for most of my turnouts, along with several 206S models. Turnouts are mostly Atlas and Shinohara #6 or larger, although I also have a couple of #2.5 wyes. A 220S was used to control power to a siding, and it also works well. Accessibility was taken into consideration when placing structures and scenery.
The only powered turnout on the layout is located under a bridge and is, of course, the only one that has caused any problems. [banghead][(-D] (The turnout, not the Tortoise, was the culprit.)
Wayne
I just bought a 210S ground throw to try out on my yard,what is the difference between the 210s and 202s,206s?
The 202S is a regular HO scale ground throw, with an internal spring, while the 206S is an N scale version of the same thing. The 210S is similar to the 202S, but includes a small moveable target atop an additional moulded-on extension, as seen HERE.
Wayne
gandydancer19
I am interested in how you used extension wires to throw a manual turnout from a distance. I know I have seen a drawing of how to rig that somewhere in the past but cannot find it. Can you possibly explain to me how to do that or refer me to somewhere that I can get that info?
thanks
wdcrvr
Another option - I recall seeing the Model Railroad staff in one of their videos using a long, thin tool (the same one used to manually uncouple rolling stock) to throw their turnouts. Naturally, the turnouts need to be close enough to the edge of your layout to reach. The tool would reach between the freight/passenger cars if they were situated on the track next to the turnout.
Check out Humpyard Purveyance and the Bullfrog by Fast-tracks. They both use wires extended from the front of the layout to throw manual turnouts. You can then work out something of your own design to make up something on the cheep that will work for you. Although, either of these controls are in a reasonable price range in my opinion.
Blue Flamer.