I will use undertable switch machine for my layout, but i wonder what is being used in real life around 1950. Should i use any type of level switch or stand switch for show on my yard?
Some yards are automated, especially those with humps for expedited sorting/classification. The majority of small yards seem to use manual switches that are set as required. The same goes for most industrial sidings which use short mechanisms and are normally locked when not thrown.
The yard here in Danbury is all manual and has been all its’ life with machines that look much like the Caboose manual machines and a two color blade on the top to indicate orientation. Hope that helps. J.R.
In the 50’s switches were mostly high level stands, at least on the part of Santa Fe I was familiar with. Some had the blades, some had lanterns on the top.
Depending on the road being modeled…Many had low and high switch stands.