During a stage one mockup this afternoon, I noticed (for the first time!?) that my Peco turnouts have extended ties on either side of the throw bar and running about 3/4 inch away from the turnout on the inside of the curved portion. These have the unfortunate consequence of making my ladder design impossible unless they are clipped.
I can’t see that the two long ties have any functional significance, but I thought it best to ask before I start clipping.
Knock yourself out, if you don’t need them for mounting switch machine or other accessories.
Yup, do whachagotta. As long as you think during a pause just before the first nip how you are going to actuate the throwbar after you have done the deed, and as long as you are certain you have a simple and utile solution, you are good to go. Have clipped a couple of throwbar headblocks meself once or twice.
Crandell
Yep I use the Peco switch machines, so I just clip off those long ends.
Peco isn’t the only brand to have used these. They exist so you can easily locate a ground throw on either side of the turnout. The unused side is essentially intended to be cut off.
They’re also nice for mounting “decorative” switch stands, either simple static models or mechanically-linked ones that rotate as the points move. But, once again, they aren’t necessary for operation of the turnout, so it’s fine to clip them off, and either toss them or relocate them to the other side.
clip!