snap switch operation

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Any ideas how I can convert my Altas snap switches to a more normal movement. The snap noise is anoying and certainly not prototypical. Also would like to add indicator lights on control panel. Thanks

The Woodman

2

Try using Tortoise switch machines. They have a slower, more prototypical movment. Plus they have extra contacts that you can use to light indicator lights.

3

Woodman,

I reckon that you could use Tortoise machines. They are slow motion and provide contacts for indicator lights. And you can use a DT (SP or DP) toggle. The Tortoise is a “stall” motor and won’t burn out when controlled by a toggle switch.

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/tortoise/wiring-leds.htm

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/sw_ctl.htm

4

YES.

You can elect to replace them all with more prototypical (and costly) $18 switch machines - or can endure the continuous ‘inconvenience’ of owning $10, or something cheaper.

What you have is a ‘Beginners’ switch that is no longer cataloged. No shame. We all started there.

SEE ‘Tortoise’.

5

Thanks for the insight on tortoise. I will slow down and upgrade.

The Woodman

6

Woodman,

Before you rush out and buy a bunch of Tortoises, consider this:

If you are inclined to do so, you can scratch-build a manual throw device using an electrical slide switch mounted under the layout surface with a piece of wire sticking up through the hole in the turnout drawbar. A second wire connected to the switch would be run under the layout and stick through the fascia, so you could push-pull on the wire to throw the turnout either direction. You want to use an electrical switch so you can wire it up to the indicator panel lights.

There are oodles of variations on scratch-built, hand-throw devices. Here’s one: http://www.2guyz.info/Content/pa=showpage/pid=13.html

Just do an Internet search and keep your eyes peeled for others.

By the way, as others have said, upgrading from the Snap Switches is a good thing to do. I personally use the Atlas Customline Turnouts and have had pretty decent luck with them. If you shop around, you can get them as low as about $8 per turnout. The geometry is different from the snap switches, though, so if you’re replacing them on your existing layout, you’ll have to modify the tracks leading into and out of the turnout.