Switch controls, by hand

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I am building an HO scale layout. Because I anticipate little fingers wanting to help Daddy play with the trains, I want to put in by-hand controls for the turnouts.

What I want to end up with is some sort of trackside stand that leans to the side if the turnout is set to diverge and stands up straight if the turnout is set for the straight track.

My first thought is to find O scale dwarf stands and wires for manual links. Does any manufacturer make such a critter? Where can I order parts? Am I on the right track with this?

Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

2

BRJN,

This probably isn’t what you are really looking for but it’s still nifty all the same.

http://www.humpyard.com

Tom

3

gotta wonder how the humpyard switchs would stand up to use by ‘little fingers’ .

there are also the caboose industries ground throws
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/Caboose-Industries-Ground-Throw-Rigid-0135/item097-105.html
they seem to be pretty indestructable , but maybe too small for younger kids

there’s also joe fugate’s door lock method . ok i know that sounds odd , but hopefully someone has a link they can post

4

HUMP YARD and they are tough,and easy for little hands.[2c]
JIM

5

Someone told me that you can’t use caboose hand throws with shinohara turnouts, they dont keep the points against the rail well. Any of you out there have any of those troubles?

6

I think it’s a matter of using the correct Caboose throw. There are sprung and unsprung models, and various throw lengths. The ones meant to throw an accurate scale turnout (read, not very much distance) won’t work for Atlas and Shinohara, but they have others. All commercial turnouts are not created equal.

–Randy

7

is there any way you can make hand made control system or anything like that?

8

There are some other alternatives to layout-mounted switch throws such as the Caboose Hobbies or Humpyard throws. Some have used choke cables (from the old auto days) - just pushing/pulling a knob on the fascia will throw the switch.

I developed a system using a spring, some string, wood dowels, and a wooden knob on the fascia. One pulls out the knob a quarter of an inch or so, turns it slightly, and pushes it back in. I’ve had these in use for 29 years with very good results. If anyone is interested, I could probably put together a schematic or picture of how they work.

9

The advantage of having layout-fascia controls for turnouts (manual or automatic) is that fewer little hands will be grabbing at things actually ON THE LAYOUT, which may contribute greatly to the lifespan of your scenery.