On my layout I use Peco turnouts powered by their PL-10 switch motors. Are there any products that can be attached to the throw bar to indicate the direction? I guess I’m thinking of something like the Caboose Industries products, but not an actual ground throw to provide the power (manual), as the Peco motor would be that devise. I just need an indicator, and preferably not a high stand. Can a Caboose Industries 200 series or 210 series accomplish this without actually providing the manual power? Thanks all.
LION thinks that you cannot run them backwards: the gear train will not apply that kind of motion.
Do they have extra contacts on them? If so an LED might provide indication, unless that will not fit your era or designs.
ROAR
The Caboose switch throws operate via a cam-like mechanism and won’t work in reverse. The mechanism is designed to hold the points in place and resist pushing in the reverse direction. Wolfgang Dudler adapted some switch stands to work the way you want. Check out his Westport Terminal website. http://www.westportterminal.de/switchstands.html
Joe
Take the arm and barrel off the caboose industries actuator with contacts and you should be left with a freely sliding actuator rod that can be hooked up to the throw rod. The barrel and arm snaps into place.
Alternately, Peco make a set of contacts that attaches to the switch motor. Probably expensive as heck.
http://www.peco-uk.com/product.asp?strParents=3309&CAT_ID=3337&P_ID=17646
Beyond that, you are on your own to come up with something.
The Caboose Industries units are not suited to your needs. There are several options - NJ International makes a nice line of stands both high and low-level, as well as Tomar and Details West. The Tomar ones come illuminated…
Are you looking for a physical indicator like a switch stand or just something to drive LEDs for either a dwarf signal or a panel indicator?
For LEDs, I’d go with the Peco add-on unit. It’s a single-pole, double-throw toggle, basically. It clips to the bottom of the switch machine.
There are several manufacturers of switch stands if you want a physical indicator. I would say, though, that they are designed more for Tortoises, and might not take the abuse of a Peco machine which throws very quickly. The NJ International one is metal and looks to be the most robust.
Hi T,
We did this on our DCC layout , you haven’t said, but it should work on DC.
You want a Peco PL13 switch below your PL10 to use the track feed through reversed diodes and resistors to a 2 colour LED ground signal or to your schematic LEDs on your panel. The lamp faces from the blade end along the point, with green for straight and red for the curved tracks
I’m no good at diagrams maybe someone at you end can assist you, hope this helps.
be intouch.
pick.
Check out this idea that I sent to Elmer. It is for use with a Tortise machine but the basic ‘LED’ design will work with the Peco unit and resistors. (Thanks Elmer for putting it on your website.)
-Bob
http://www.waynes-trains.com/site/Signals/OtherSignalStuff/LED-SwitchLamp.html
Hi Bob.
Thanks, as I said I don’t do graphics. your thread helped me. One LED leg goes to the frog, the other goes to a pair of reversed diodes with resisters attached that each leg of this split is shrink wrapped and soldered to the track feed, which ever way the point is thrown changes the LED colour.
No PL13 involved, I’m beginning to have real problems when I can’t remember simple set ups like like this, I’m definitely getting past it.
Be in touch.
pick.[:$]