Using N Scale Ground Throws on HO Scale Turnouts

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have heard people say that they use N scale ground throws on HO turnouts because the N scale ground throws are closer to HO scale than the HO ground throws. I am generally talking about Caboose Industries ground throws and Atlas Custom Line turnouts.

Is it difficult to get the N scale ground throws to fit and work right with HO scale turnouts ?

Thanks.

Rich

2

I doubt that this will work. N scale ground throws probably do not have enough travel to actuate a HO turnout. Looking forward to seeing other comments on this one!

3

Hi Rich

With caboose hobby’s N scale ground throws on HO this works fine I have several on my layout and they work fine, no big adjustments were made just carfull centering and testing the movement of the switch, I have had little or no problems with this instillation, and always cut extra on the switch tab to cover the differance between HO and N.

4

90% of mine are N scale since I decided they look better.

What I do to mount mine is put the points 1/2 way through the travel and then place the ground throw lever straight up. No trimming required. My code 83 turnouts are mostly Atlas “super switch” #6 but also custom line Mkx #6, #4 and snaps. I do have a few Walthers/Shinoharas and they require some extra work.

The travel range is smaller, but this is not a problem as long as the center of the point travel is the center of the throw travel.

I’m using the sprung model and have not tried the rigid ones.

I think you will be pleased. Even the N scale is too big for HO but at least the throw handle is not taller than a human.

5

Use the sprung ground throws. The rigid ones don’t always close the points securely.

6

Sir Madog,

I read your reply first and I agreed with you. I had heard you could do it, but I was skeptical.

But, as I read on, it seems from the replies that it is doable and people seem pleased with the results.

Rich

7

Just out of curiosity, and I always wondered this, why do they even make rigid ground throws? Any advantage to them over sprung ground throws?

The only ones that I own right now are HO scale sprung ground throws.

Rich

8

Pictures?