A recent Model Railroader article on Eric Brooman’s Utah Belt RR (HO) had a sidebar on constructing a push-rod (or “toggle-spring”) turnout control. I am attempting to do the same but am hampered by (1) the lack of dimensional data on the drawing, and (2) there being no wire size given for the piano wire used for the crank. I see no way to contact Eric directly, so I am hoping someone might be in contact with him and be able to ask for this information, and then post it here. If not, I’d like to hear from other members of this forum on dimensions and wire size.
MR has mentioned this a number of times - try the “index of magazines” link at the top of the page to search for other articles. Maybe you can track down some back issues at your local train store? Also, here is a link that might help: http://www.humpyard.com They sell miniature interlocking levers to throw your pushrod-driven turnouts. The instruction pages do not give a wire size, but are helpful anyway.
A thought just occured to me - how about bicycle brake cable or gear shifter cable? I have not tried it, but it might work…?
Andrew
Also, if you can find it, Bill Darnaby did a great article on the push rods he uses, and did include all the dimensonal info. It should be in the Index also.
Toy Train,
I believe that if you look at the earlier citations in the Index of Magazines you’ll find that some folks were using “after market” automobile choke control cables, which may not be as available in this day and age. However, another source to consider at your LHS are the push rods sold for radio control model airplanes. Usually, you’ll find bell cranks, unions and other useful accessories sold with them.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
any idea which edition of MR had the Utah Belt story with the sidebar? I too am confronting this issue, and looking for all the help I can get. I read lots of good ideas in this forum.
it was Model Railroader May 2003 p86
See this forum for lots more on this topic: http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/13/t/001451/p/1.html
Let my fingers do the walking. The Utah Belt article is in December 2003, page 69. It makes a lot of sense, and inexpensive. I would think working out the physics of the dimensions couldn’t be too hard. Maybe a little trial and error. I use Peco Electrofrog turnouts, so the frog polarity isn’t an issue for me either.
Thanks to whoever put this question on the board. Saved me lots of money, and lots of time.
I also using Push rods together with Peco turnouts (On30). I´m using Sullivan´s Gold-N -Rod. Those are made of some kind of nylon material and are very easy to work with. To give you an idea how it´s looking I´ll show you these pictures.
http://www.laderblom.com/mj/on30/pushrod/PICT0166.JPG
http://www.laderblom.com/mj/on30/pushrod/PICT0169.JPG
(As you can see I haven´t installed any knobs yet but since the pictures where taken I have installed small plastic knobs.)