choosing switchstand height

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’ve done a brief search of the forum and looked through related articles in back issues of MR, but I can’t seem to find a definitive statement about when to use a high switchstand and when a low one. Although I have a dim recollection of seeing a guideline somewhere, I thought it might be quicker to consult the rest of you. Is there a guideline on this, or does it vary enough that I can make up my own? Thanks.

2

High targets on switchstands are usually because of a need for visibility. Out on the line, they provide an extended distance for the crew to verify that a switch is properly set. Sometimes weeds or other undergrowth can be a seasonal problem, with the high stand poking above the clutter. The list can go on and there are probably other reasons they’re used, but that’s probably the biggest reason.

3

Strictly from a modelers point of view, High switch stands would be used on the mainline, while the short switch stands would be used in industrial areas and yards.

In the real world, I have seen the short switch stands used on the mainline on a little used single mainline RR.

4

If in doubt, consult the prototype, either through photographs, a copy of the, “Common Standards,” or by putting your own footprints in the dust of the publicly accessible ground adjacent to the right-of-way. If you don’t model your friendly home-town rail line, Google is your friend.

In my case, I’ve made successful hunts for such things as the shape and color of semaphore blades. The key fact (distant signal - yellow swallowtail with black stripe) was found in a museum loco photo. The semaphore was, “Scenery,” not the primary subject. Odds are, American switchstand height data will be found in a similar manner.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with information taken off the internet)

5

Height did vary by road and by situation. On mine I did high for the main and low for all else.

6

Me, too.

Dante

7

Erosebud,

When you decide,what you would like to do, you may consider these:

http://www.njinternational.com/hoswitch.htm

Cheers, [D]

Frank