Ground Throw choices

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

It seems that I might be better off using some ground throws on a small yard I have instead of going with the tortoise/hare combo I use on the mainline turnouts. The torti make alot of sense where I currently have them, as they are used in my automation schemes.

So, my question is what brand or type would you recommend for Atlas Custom line code 83 turnouts? Any one better than another, etc. I have no experience with them at all.

Thanks,

Joe

2

Joe, are you aware of the Humpyard and of the Caboose Hobbies ground throws? Those two get a lot of use on this forum, and both have their converts. You can get tall switch stands, or the flop-over real ground throws with Caboose. You have to assemble them and they are plastic, as far as I know. I have only erected one ground throw, and unfortunately asked for the longer non-sprung throw. You will have to know exactly how far your individual turnout points are moving.

3

For my yards where I can easily reach I use Caboose flip over grounds throws. With my radio throttle I am standing right where the action takes place and it is just like being the brakeman. For remote settings I have a combination of Tortoise and Humpyard. I do like the Humpyard look and feel. I have not tried running tortoise with my DCC and probably will have mostly Humpyard levers in the next part of the layout.

4

There’s also the BluePoint which installs like a Tortoise but is manually operated. Not exactly a ground throw but it is a manual control. With alittle work you can do pretty much the same thing using a normal slide or even a toggle switch, the BluePoint is just more convenient since it’s ready to install. And not really all that much cheaper than a Tortoise

–Randy

5

I’ll second Randy’s suggestion of using a simple slide switch. Contacts allow power routing and indicator control from something that could be had for $.50 in quantity.

Sounds like another poll coming from joe-daddy. [:-,]

6

Thanks for the insight, I need to see if I can learn more about the humpyard throw. I’ll google and see what pops up.

Joe

7

I have several Atlas C83 turnouts in both no. 4 and 6 in an area that is within easy reach so I used Caboose Industries #206 sprung ground throws. These are really N scale ground throws but I used them because the HO scale ones seemed too large in a foreground scene. The N scale ones have plenty of travel for Atlas turnouts and hold the points nicely against the rail.

8

i came across these recently

http://www.proto87stores.com/p87stores/frtubw.htm

they also have some interesting looking track and turnouts , have a look while you’re visiting the site

9

Thanks for all the input. I chose the caboose throws and am quite happy with them!

Joe