Caboose Throws....

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have decided to use manual switches on my layout for now to get the feeling of being on the rails and being a switcher. Also money is another reason.[:(]

I am looking at getting some Caboose throws and not sure which kind to get. I am modeling in HO and going to have Atlas code 83 manual turnouts. Would I want to get this type of throw for them?

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/97-5202

I am thinking this is what I am needing but want to get your guys opinions.

Thanks

Brad

2

Hi,

I use atlas code 100 snap-switches with the exact same throw you listed. I have 10 of them I my layout an they work great. I’d say that’s probably what you need.

Merry Christmas,

Jamie

3

For Atlas code 83 turnouts you need the Caboose Industries type 218S ground throws instead of the ones you show in your link. Go to the Caboose Industries web site for a picture of them.

http://www.cabooseind.com/index2.php?page=GroundThrows

The ones you show are for code 100 turnouts but the throw bar on Atlas code 83 turnouts are significantly different and those won’t fit.

4

yes those would certainly work. also if you get your turnouts with the switch machine you can set them under the table and use the remote, just looks a bit nicer and the price point is about the same.

5

I’ve tried them too but found they looked way to big, but this all depends on what you think is right for your layout. I have a switching layout and have 20 switches in the first 20 feet, so I needed something cheap too. I ended up making my own from short pieces of dowels mounted on the facia and connected to Rix PTLs with RC airplane control rods. They work great and keep a constant pressure on the points.

6

Indeed, they do look large, but there are things you can do to help that out. This was written by a friend. It’s specifically for N scale, but it should work for any scale. http://www.conrail1285.com/news.asp?storyid=31

7

Brad,

Using ‘turnout specific’ ground throws limit where you can attach them. At our club layout, we standardized on the 202S ground throws. I use a piece of .025" music wire to connect the ground throw to the turnout. A 1/4" right angle bend at each end of the wire goes through a pre-drilled whole in the turnout throwbar and the ground throw. Very simple and ‘rock solid’ operation.

Jim

8

On my pass HO ISLs I used N Scale ground throws…While not scale size they do IMHO look better.