I’ve been away from the hobby for thirty years.
Lately I’ve started to build a Bowser Decapod,
Now I need something/someplace to run it.
I’m thing a small, HO scale, narrow shelf layout, heavily
detailed. I have several bits from the old Fine
Scales kits and Woodland scenics.
My question is: how does one install the old Kemtron
twin coil switch switch machines without consuming
acres of real estate?
Thanks.
Alan
First of all, welcome back!
I believe that the Kemtron machines were under the table mount, with some type of linkage up thru the track. If you are planning a shelf layout, Caboose Industries makes ground throws for turnouts. On a narrow shelf this may be a good way to go. They don’t take up any space and don’t cost much. Anything within about two feet of the layout edge I use ground throws.
Another choice might be the Circuitron Tortoise switch machine. These mount under the table, very easily, I might add. They come with all the parts to install, are quiet, slow motion, and reliable. The only drawback is the price, about $15.00 each, but I think well worth it.
I have a couple of the old twin coils, they seemed like to much work, so I went with the Caboose and Tortoise machines.
Have Fun!
I have a few of the old KTM (imported by Kemtron - bought mine from the source in Japan) rocksmasher twin-coil machines. Mine are located at the table edge below track level. I use an Anderson link to transmit point motion from below the table to the switch points, and fishing leader under tension to connect the machine to the under-table arm of the Anderson link. Force to keep the points in the ‘normal’ position comes from a small weight pulling fishing leader in the opposite dirrection.
The Anderson link is a z-shaped wire link that moves the points at the top, passes down a vertical tube and connects to the operating mechanism under the subgrade. I bend mine from small wire diameter paper clips, which have some springiness and allow for the machine’s overtravel. The fishing leader is run through small screweyes to guide it from the switch to the machine, which may be a distance of several feet.
I only use powered switch motors on switches which will be operated from several different locations on my double garage filler layout. Most points are thrown by manual throws, usually electrical slide or toggle switches connected the same way as the twin-coils.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Happy New Year:
this months issue has exactly what you need…
see classic toy trains magazine for feb. 2011
a fantastic article…Happy New year from Steve in Canada!
see classic toy trains magazine feb 2011 issue…
exactly what you want… cheers from Canada!
O scale guys got it going on!!!
What you are looking for is called a Rix Rax. See a picture here: http://www.rixproducts.com/6280001.htm
Thanks, oscaletrainguy.
I’ll look into it.
Alan