I have never used manual ground throws before and need to know the difference between these two types. Which is best to use with Atlas Mark 4 HO scale turnouts. Also, do they work on wye turnouts?
I have found that the sprung versions work best with the regular Atlas Mark 4 turnouts. They allow for minor differences in mounting. I don’t have any experience with wye turnouts.
Joe
They work equally well on turnouts, wyes, 3-ways, double slips, double crossovers.
The sprung type is most commonly used since it can move and hold the point rails against the stock rails.
Here is how Caboose Industries describes the difference/
The Sprung version is designed to mount directly to the turnout throw bar. The rigid versions require the modeler to form a spring and is used in cases where the throw cannot be mounted to the turnout directly.
Rich
Joe and Rich,
Thanks for the information I needed. Sounds like the sprung type are definitely the way to go. I saw a lot of them in use during the Houston Model Trains home tours last weekend. I will use them where they are easy to reach and stick with my electric switch controlled on more remote locations.
You will want to get the 202S ground throw.
Rich
Hi,
I didn’t read the other replies so this is probably a repetition…
The Caboose Hobbies ground throws will work with the Atlas turnouts - wyes included. The sprung are my preference by far.
The trick is in the mounting. I get it positioned in place with the turnout points centered, and the throw lever of the ground throw positioned vertically. When all is in place, I screw the thing down with 1/2 inch brass round heads. If you secure it right, they will be fine for a long, long time.
I use the spring ones as well. One thing I did was to paint the end of the handle: GREEN for through route,RED for diverging route. This helps as I have several turn out close to gether. I look at the ground throw to see what color is showing. Joe
One thing not mentioned. If you happen to use a Peco turnout, they are equipped with a spring. Some folks use them as they are and turn them with a skewer, like they uncouple with, some with their finger. Others, probably for the sake of having all look alike, use the rigid (cheaper) ground throw.
Have fun,
Richard
I have 40 Caboose ground throws on my layout. All but 2 are rigid. I picked up a couple of sprung throws just to try. I can’t see any difference ifrom either an installation or an operational sense. I mount most of them directly to the turnout throw bar, except where there isn’t enough room. I have never had to make a spring of any kind. The HO throws on HO track are very easy to install and there is plenty of tolerance, so even with the rigid throws, you don’t have get them exactly centered to get a snug fit. You can also use the N scale throws in HO. Here the placement has to be a little more exact to get the rails to fit snugly.
Lefty
Here is a page on installing ground throws. It is just one way and not the only way…
http://madisonrails.railfan.net/eci/ground_throw.html
Roger
Roger,
Great link! This was very helpful and I will use it as I install my ground throws. Thanks to all the other posters for their ideas and suggestions also.
Happy railroading!