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I have many manual switches that I am adding to my layout. I eventually would want them to be automated with switches. I was thinking about maybe servo's or a small electric push solenoid to convert them instead of replacing them after installing all them.
Has anyone done something like this?
I saw one on You Tube that had a brass solenoid on it but that was the only one I've seen
Actually there is really nothing known as a true manual switch. All switches can be automated with twin solenoids, servos or stall switch machines. They are offered for sale as just the switch so the modeler can make their own decision whether to use a manual or electric machine to throw them.
Actually there is really nothing known as a true manual switch. All switches can be automated with twin solenoids, servos or stall switch machines. They are offered for sale as just the switch so the modeler can make their own decision whether to use a manual or electric machine to throw them.
Atlas, Peco, Shinohara/Walthers, all offer just the turnouts, (switches) for sale without any type of switch machine attached. The is true for both HO & N. Other companies also offer them in other scales. They can be found at LHS, (Local Hobby Shop) if they sell other than the so called toy train sets, or online.
Just go, for example, to Atlas.com, Walthers.com or this online vendor, modeltrainstuff.com and search for turnouts.
Any hobby shop that offers model trains will have the turnouts in stock. Online stores have them also, i.e. ModelTrainStuff (M.B. Klien). Typically the points of the turnout are mounted on what looks like a tie that is longer than the other ones that make up the whole turnout. This longer tie extends further out from the rails and provides a connection point for your turnout control whether it be a solenoid, stall motor or just a simple slide switch. This extended beam will also have small holes in it for connection of undertable machines. You can apply your electrical control switch to the benchwork were it's obviously accessible to the operator.
In order to avoid purchasing the turnout switches, there is a workaround for these scenarios wherby points can be made electric.
1. 3 way switch
2. Wires, small diamerter
3. Soldering machine equipments
Use the following diagram for making the junctions automatic. Here in europe, we do create this in order to make all junctions automatic. The installation of 3 way switches used can be made near the track or at any remote place. The power supply can be either from tracks or if you want to use an external power, make sure you use atleast a 9V DC batter
In order to make the equipment,
1. Connect a 6 inches screw on the shaft (Head)
2. Other side should be through a small nut to so that the screw moves through the nut and the turnout shaft can be easily pulled and pushed
3. Connect a motor with a rotating small wheel mounted on the screw (the wheel is found in any push back small cars inside the push back machine
4 Mount the motor near the track
May be these diagrams will help you understand the diagram.. I will send you the real piucs tomorrow so you can have a look at the diagrams which we make
This procedure is very simple once you see the pics
Most of my turnouts are Shinohara and a few Atlas. All 'manual'. About half have ground throws so they are still 'manual', I have to use my fingers on a mechanical switch. The other have have Circuitron Tortise controllers underneath. They are wired to power and a switch to operate. These are usually in place a bit too far to reach all the time, and/or ganged together so one switch does multiple.
