Had to put in a platform to get the ground throws up level. Used scrap from Fast Tracts turnout jig.
First on is experiment [:D]
Looks like that did the trick, Tom. I’m wondering, though, why you have the extended headblocks and throwbar on the opposite side of the track in your last photo.
I also use leftover cork roadbed for the turnout control platform, whether it’s a Caboose Industries ground throw, or a dummy Central Valley switchstand, which I use if the turnout has an internal spring. I also use left-over spare ties (plastic) on which the switchstand can be placed…
I also make the raised “ground” a little more expansive, though, so my LPSM (little plastic switch man) has some place to stand when throwing the switch…
Wayne
If the ground throw is next to a turnout on Homasote, no pad is needed.
If next to turnout on cork, I lay a scape piece of cord at the spot where it needs to go. Snicker snack.
I also use a piece of cork to bring the ground throw up to track level. Seems to work fine. But I recently visited a club where all the ground throws were depressed into the foam base and attached to the turnout with a piece of piano wire. It makes the throws less noticeable. I’ve tried it in a couple places and like it. I also have a few N scale Caboose Hobbies ground throws on my HO layout that seem to work fine. Anyone else using N scale throws in HO?
Yeah, I have several, but they’re not all that easy to spot, as they’re only minimally-smaller than the HO ones. They work just as well, though, so no complaints.
I’m slowly replacing them with simple springs bent from piano wire, then adding Central Valley switchstands with postionable targets. They look more protypical, work just as well, and the positionable targets are useful for photography purposes.
I also need to motorise several turnouts which are no longer easy to reach since I added a partial second level to the layout.
I do intend, however, to keep all of the Caboose Industries ground throws in my five staging yards, as they are trouble-free and work great.
Wayne
I get the crews at Canadian Pacific to pour these little pads of concrete for mine.
Actually they are bits of plastic cut off 8’ edging strips for panelling.
I poured the concrete. I “excavated” a hole in the foam base, and “poured” a conrete base (drywall mud), and I could push in the small brads that hold the ground throw in place.
Mike.