I finally did something I never thought I would be able to do - hand lay a turnout. The results were much better than I expected. There is just one ting that troubles me. The movement of the points is very stiff. Everything is in gauge and my equipment runs great over them when I hold the throw bar. I have tried to use an Atlas under the table switch machine but it didn't have enough umph to hold the points. This leads me to two questions: First, is it normal for the throwbar movement ot be stiff? And second, are there any turnout machines that would have enough power to move and hold the points? Any help would be apprieciated. Thanks, Eric [ 16. February 2003, 23:40: Message edited by: Colorado5O ]
I don't know exactly how you have constructed your switch points that would cause them to be so stiff? Normally, when I handlay a turnout, I'll leave the "mainline" stock rail solid, as one piece .. which basicaly acts as a spring to keep a good tension on that rail. On the other side, I'll cut the rail and install a rail joiner so that the points can move more freely. I have never been too keen on Atlas switch machines. Your turnouts may require a slow throw machine like Tortoise. Another thought is you might consider using a locking cable throw. They are much less expensive to install and are very reliable. Good luck
When I laid my first switch in N I never believed it would work. It was rough and stickey. And of course if you try to use any kind of lube it will get all into the locos. I came across an air operated switch machine that will hold in either direction all the necessary points. It is very positive and and expended into the rest of my layout
First, I have two questions for you. What code rail are you using? Are you soldering rail to PC ties? I am hand-laying turnouts in code 55 with pc ties. I will solder my point (closure) rails up close to the frog and then let them float all the way to the throwbar. The longer thay are the more flexible they will be. Of course, as the code of rail gets bigger, the stiffness of the rail increases.
Isn’t it a nice feeling to have built your own turnout and it actually worked? I just finished a small test layout, and I enjoyed it a lot. I haven’t installed any switch machines yet, but will be using tortoise machines on my main layout. I don’t have any problems with my throwbars, they move easily. I did mine in code 40, but even with code 55 there shouldn’t be any problems. I don’t solder the closure rail until 1 ½ = 2” from the point, and that is enough to make it move smoothly. Is it because you didn’t leave any gap underneath the throwbar, so it actually is sliding against your roadbed or plywood, just a thought? I have some pictures of my trackwork here. http://community.webshots.com/album/61130360zIWIIf and some pictures of my layout here http://community.webshots.com/user/jkristia Jesper
I am using ME code 55. As far as the stiffness goes, maybe its just a perception issue. This is my first time dealing with handlayed turnouts. My turnouts are constructed using pc ties and the closure rails are soldered about 2" from the points. When I soldered the piont to the throwbar, I soldered them so that the neutral position was in the middle. The other turnouts I have experience with are the Atlas C80 and C55 and they seem to move really easily. When i attached the Atlas machine, it moved the points but would not hold them to the rail. I purchased a Tortoise machine but haven't had a chance to hook it up yet. Maybe I'm worrying for nothing. I'm going to hook it up tonight and see if that does the trick. I'll tell you guys how it goes. Thanks for the help. Eric
Yep, saw the pictures. Actually your earlier post on your C40 turnouts helped motivate me. Thanks. Also, I just got done installing the Tortoise and it works great (first Tortoise as well). Just need to tweek the spring wire a little since I had to install it off center. Eric
I'm glad if I helped motivating you Sorry if it wasn't clear from previous post, but what I meant to ask was if you have any pictures of your turnout? I always like to see others work (and maybe get some ideas ) Jesper
wow looks great. See, now you can't stop It looks like you used the same pc ties for the turnout ties and the throwbar, incase you are not aware of it (I'm sure you already knows) but Clover House has 2 different width pc ties, one 9" width for regular ties and a wider one for throwbars. Now I think I will have to start replacing the track on my layout with handlaid track... can't wait to get started Jesper
