Topherisme
Chris wants more hobby time!!!
These 2 models included in the servicing area…. Any opinions, thoughts, constructive criticism welcome
For cost savings, I went with Caboose Industries ground throws. None of the track on my around the walls layout is more than 18" from the edge of the layout, and with a walk-around throttle, most of the 115+ switches are within easy reach. I have a few with Atlas remote switch motors so that I don't have to reach over structures. My issues with knobs are both the proper mounting and the adjustment. And unless you are quite proficient at carpentry and can recess the knobs, the aisle protrusion would be a bother to me. The fascia on my lower level is just below the belt so the protruding knobs might be painful.Was thinking knob pulls for yard switching, machines for mainline, cost saving… Anybody have experience with your own design for manual throws?
… Anybody have experience with your own design for manual throws?
Chris, looks like your question is leaning towards the scratch built side? I didn't do that, but I did want to use manual pull knobs, and recess them as Willie stated. I did all manual turnouts, electrified just never interested me. I opted for pull knobs on the facia, I don't need these big paws of mine in/on the layout for throwing a switch. I wanted power to the frog so I used the Fastracks Bullfrog switch machines, and for mainline switches only, I wanted an indicator of position of switch that I could see across the room, so I installed these led's. Of course, green is lined for "normal" or through operation, yellow is lined for turnout side. I also used the fastracks turnout control rods because they are flexible. They don't have to be straight across from the switch to operate. I bought one Bluepoint switch machine for an operations comparison vs the Bullfrog. The "throw" on the Bluepoint is a nice short crisp movement compared to the bullfrog. I found the electrical spades on the Bluepoint kind of fiddley to deal with on soldering for an old guy with big shaky hands, being kind of clustered together. And the price, I just couldn't foot the bill for all Bluepoint switch machines on the layout.recess the knobs, the aisle protrusion would be a bother to me
If those are #6, most C+C will traverse, long articulated or 2-10-2's may but at reduced speed.View attachment 141258View attachment 141259
As you can see I have a slight “S” curve in track work here…. My goal was to both cut the swing gate a little thinner for larger access opening and to align track for next sweeping curve. I have made the curves as slight as possible. Does anyone foresee problems running trains through what is shown here?