I did something over the last few days which might be interesting to some of you. I took six 042 switches (these are the manual versions of the 022 switches for O-31 track) and cut off part of the track and made them smaller. They are now the size of the 23010 and 23011 switches. I cut 1 7/8" off of the straight part of the switch and 3 1/2" off of the curved part (measured along the outside curved rail. This makes it possible to make a yard or a siding with the tracks much closer together than is possible with a standard 022 switch. I used the 042 switches for two reasons: I had some sitting around without a job to do, and the inside curved rail on the 042 switch is a single piece while the same rail on the 022 switches is two pieces. To cut down the switches, I completely disassembled the switch, removing everything including the rails. I then cut the plastic base. Then I cut the rails as necessary. It is necessary to cut the plastic base where it is inside the rails so that you can insert pins into the rails. With the cut down switches, the center to center (c-c) between two adjacent tracks is 5.25" rather than 8.375" as it is with unmodified switches. I installed 022 switch motors on the two switches I put into my layout. This required that I add 3 wires, one for power and two for the non-derailing feature. I used the two very short rails near the frog for the non-derailing feature. The inside curved rail on an 022 switch is split in such a way that using it for one of the cut down switches would have resulted in a piece of the rail not having much holding it in place. That is why I used the rail from the 042 switch. Bruce Baker
Here is a shot of my yard. There are 14 cut down 0-22 switches. I cut mine mith a 4 1/2" abbrassive wheel. Then I drilled out the plastic so I could install the pins. No disassembly required.
I didn’t have access to an abrasive cutoff wheel, so I had to do it the hard way. Yours look good. How did you deal with the short curved rail? How did you hold it down, or was this not necessary? Bruce Baker
Bruce, I have been cutting switchs for a few years now with great results. I use a band saw with a fine metal cutting blade. I have cut all types of switchs from old 022 to new 027. The cut down switchs make a much more compact yard possible.
Here’s how I cut O27 turnouts to get 2 7/8-inch track spacing: http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/36520/469380.aspx#469380
Bob, I just laid out your yard using some switches and track out of a box. It does get the tracks close together. I don’t know if you could 022 switches for this due to the size of the switch motors. Bruce Baker
Bruce
I’m interested to see what the switches look like when cut down. Could you post some pictures?
Bob
I need someone to tell me how to post a picture. I tried a method that was posted on the forum some months ago, but it didn’ work.
Bruce Baker
Cut down 022/042 switches compared to a standard 022. The switch motors are not installed on the cut down switches.
Same picture.
Closeup of cut switches
A cut down switch instaled in my layout. The straight part has not been cut on this switch. This was the first switch I cut.
The second switch I installed in my
Bruce
Looks awesome! When I get to the yard I will have to try cutting some of the switches. Can’t wait to see your video!
Bob
Somebody asked me about pictures of my layout. They are on this post, not on a post with the subject “posting pictures” Bruce Baker