MT
The device itself throws the switch. I have used several of them on previous n scale layouts and have they work quite well. Be sure to use the sprung version, otherwise they are easy to break. Also, they are very easy to install, and MUCH cheaper than powered turnouts.
I will concurr witht the above comment. I have used the sprung version with good results. The only drawback in N scale is that they are quite oversized, not nearly to scale, but if you can get past their size the function more than adequately for a fraction of the cost of switch machines.
Ron
I agree with Ron…they work great but they are a little large.
Guy
the footprint is 5/16" x 9/16", and I have placed them in yards with 1 1/8" centers with slight modifications. You may havet o trim the outside portion of the throw arm otherwise it will bump into the opposite track. If possible, I try to place them on the outside portion of multiple tracks, since prototype switch stands(not that these look anything on a real rairoad, but I try to pretend…) are usually placed where railroad employees do not have to cross tracks to throw a switch.
The base itself is only about 5/16" x 9/16", but the throw bar sticks out a minimum of 3/8" on one side (after trimming all un needed excess), and the spring casing part of the throw sticks out about 1/4" on the other side.
Not between the tracks, you would have to mount them on the outside. Based on my installation of them, you need to allow about 1" outside the rail for the complete installation.
While they may be oversize, accurately N scale sized ground throws would be too fragile and almost impossible to grasp and throw. It’s like a lot of stuff in the hobby, if you stare at them constantly, their size may bother you. If you just accept them as part of the overall scene you won’t notice them.
I like them.
Regards
Ed
What they said!!!
And Ed is right if you focus on the throw constantly it may bother you, but once they’re in and you’re running trians, you’ll be to busy to notice. They do come in packs of five…a few cent’s cheaper.
Guy
i have 30 or more of the caboose industries ground throws on my n layout. i use the 206S sprung throw. in places that i couldn’t fit the throw next to the switch i used a piece of wire that i bent and put in a plastic tube and routed under the roadbed to a more convienent location near the switch. i have done this on my clubs HO layout with the throws being 36" from the switch location. there i ran the tube and wire under the benchwork.