My particulars: I’m planning (1 to 2) x (10 to 12) switching layout using Atlas code 83 turnouts and flex track mounted on WS roadbed over 1-inch foam over 1/4 ply over a 1 x 4 wood frame with intermediate joists 16 BC. The layout will be essentially flat (maybe a siding at 1-inch elevation) for modern ops.
Anyhoo, I’m looking at 10 to 12 turnouts and think it would be most useful if the turnout actuator was located on the fascia in line with the points so the operator can set the switch where he’s working without having to reach into the “scene” to throw it. If I used an interlocking-type lever I think it would be relatively easy to rig up using model airplane pushrods (or piano wire for short runs), but of course that won’t do. [:)] I’d like to use CTC-type, N / R rotary knobs with maybe 180 degrees of travel. So, I have to convert rotational motion into linear motion to drive the pushrods. A rotary cam would be ideal, and in fact this is what is used on the Caboose ground throws. Short of buying a dozen of those and converting them, does anyone have any ideas? I searched the forum and saw reference to some MR articles where people did something similar - any specifics?
Thanks,
Kurt Laughlin
Whatever you do be sure to recess the controls into the fascia. I’m forever bumping mine and thowing them out of alignment or just plain wreckin’ em. The old choke cable thing works well because they have the resistance in the cable to hold them in position.
There is a new one I just saw advertised in the latest magazines which sort of looks like a miniature Tortoise machine, it mounts underneath the layout and move the turnout throwbar like a Tortoise. Down below it has a connection for a pushrod that would run to the fascia for manual control. And it even has DPDT contacts in it so you can power the frog and signals or whatever.
–Randy
Would something like the products from humpyard help? humpyard.com to view the photos of their products. Just an FYI.
Would something like the products from humpyard help? humpyard.com to view the photos of their products. Just an FYI
Wow, these are really cool!
I have some humpyard levers and I love them. They work and look good. They are easy to install and adjust and move when you change your mind.
Here is my installation on the mining control board.
One trick is to keep tension in the throw linkage at all times, so you’re not trying to push a rope. A light spring or equivalent holds the points in ‘normal’ position, and a pull on the linkage moves them to reverse.
My own (niche in the) fascia switch actuators are electrical switches, drilled for the linkages. I mount powered machines the same way in the same place, for maintenance access when necessary. Standing on my head under the benchwork is not my favorite thing, so I design to avoid it.
Chuck
Those are the “interlocking-type levers” I was referring to. I really didn’t want something horizontal as that serves to increase the layout width. I imagine you could mount them vertically on the fascia but they look kinda fragile and subject to the issues reklein noted.
I guess it’s possible to use a bell crank with the pushrods (they are flexible for just that sort of thing) but if there’s a cleaner solution I’d like to here it.
KL
The Humpyard throws are available in both vertical and horizontal configurations so you can mount them inside a hand hole in your fascia. They use a choke cable so you can go around corners and curves to a certain degree without bell cranks. They are a little spendy, but Humpyard has worked through almost all of the typical issues. Check their web site for details of installations and configurations.
Fred W.