Re problems with engines hitting screws on switch machines

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

My layout was built with Atlas snap switches which never gave me a problem, but now with ON30 some of the locos pilots and steps hit the inside screw where the wires attach to the machine.

I know there are two holes to put the rod on the tie bar but try as I may I cannot get the proper throw from side to side when the rod is in the outside hole, is there a secret to this or some thing else I could do?

I had previously removed the inside screw and soldered the wire on but with my newest loco it is really a problem as it still hits the second screw.

Any body got any ideas?

Bill Webb

2

Are you using the current crop of switch machines that snap on, or the older versions with screw mounts? The old ones used to come with “extender” pieces that could be used to move the whole machine out a ways. You might be able to get these from Atlas, but they wouldn’t work with the snap-mounts.

Edit - I went and looked at them, and I was wrong. The new ones still have the mounts for the externders.

How are you mounting the switch machines when you try to use the outer hole in the throw bar?

How many of these do you have that are a problem? You could replace the switch machines with under-track ones from Atlas or Peco, but if you’ve got a lot of them that could run into serious money.

3

Bill
Do your snap switches have holes for screw mounting the switch machine? The old ones did. If it is, take a look around to see if you can find the extention bracket that comes with the snap switch. It’s a rectangular piece with an offset step with four holes in it.
For the switch machine to work with the outer hole, the switch machine needs to be moved outward. The rod on the switch machine should be dead center when the switch points are centered.
Is it possible to use an under the table switch machine?
Don’t give up yet, we’re here to help.

Oh! I see Mr. B beat me to the same idea. Here’s another solution http://www.humpyard.com/

4

dittio i had to put a few extensions on myself. they help a lot most of the time.

5

i had the same problem so i attached the elec wires and screws on the bottom of the switch machine works for me. The threads run all the way throught the switch motor
jackhopperbill@yahoo.com

6

Now THATS a good idea! Welcome to the forum.

7

Thank you all for your replies I received, yes I do have a few of those extenders but not enough for all the machines that I have, about 20 of them so you can see why I don’t want to replace them.

They all have screw holes for mounting so I will just grin and bear it and go back at it, I did get a couple of them to work but it takes time.

Bill

8

You should be able to make your own from styrene. Atlas may sell them also as aftermarket parts. They shouldn’t be all that expensive.

9

wallytrains
YOU KNOW THE ANSWER.

You upgraded to On3. Upgrade to under panel switch machines.

http://www.rixproducts.com/rix_products_listing.htm

10

If you want I have some from a previous layout before I went with the tortious under table
mounted switch machines. You can have what I can dig up, just let me Know.