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I’m planning to build an N scale layout this summer, and I plan to use Atlas Code 80 custom line turnouts for it. I don’t want to use Atlas’ standard switch machines/ground throws because they don’t look very good. I will have a few powered ones that I’ll use the under-table machine for, but the vast majority will be manual switches.
What can I use in place of Atlas’ standard ground throw that'll still work as good and look more realistic?
How close do these need to be from the switch? I see there’s one for if there’s track, buildings, and scenery in between he ground throw and the switch, but how far can it go? Would it be able to stretch 2 1/2 feet to the edge of the table?
I don't know. Mine are in the normal positions, next to the turnout.
I use DPDT slide switches with a mechanical linkage to the throw bar while the electrical contacts control both the frog polarity as well as the switch signal. I also use Peco C55 turnouts without the over center spring.
You can roll your own like I did here. I cut and bent some green floral wire to shape to push/pull the points. I secured them to the plywood with some U-shaped staples made from .020 piano wire, and pushed into the plywood. The staples are pushed down tight and merely hold the floral wire by friction.
Realistic looking? Not really.
Functional? Yes.
Affordable? At maybe a few pennies apiece........ Definitely!
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