As an operator of a layout, would you rather use switch machines, ground throws, or a mixture of both? You're an operator here so forget about cost, complexity to install, etc. assume with hard to reach areas, a switch machine would automatically be used with no choice. I'm mostly referring to easy to reach turnout locations. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Combination. But than again using Dcc its great having everything line up from my phone lol Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
I built my layout (11 turnouts) with manual throws. But I am really a techie type of person, so I converted to servos, and I am much happier. I don't have to worry about reaching turnouts near the back of the layout, and I enjoy controlling everything electronically. - Jeff
Unless reach is a concern, I like ground throws. Why? By comparison, inexpensive. And once adjusted properly, (if that is even necessary), very reliable. But my primary motivation is that it adds a lot of realism to operation. As if a crew person must get off, walk over and throw it, for the train to go about it's chores.
I agree with all of the above wherever the turnout is accessible and plan to use them on the new layout wherever possible.
I operate my reachable turnouts by hand. I just like to line the route. Those that require extra effort and reach, I use hand-made throws using rod action and bell-crank mechanisms....not unlike the interlocking operations of yesteryear.
I use remote servos exclusively. But I'd use ground throws exclusively in a heartbeat--if I were Plastic Man.
I use mostly cable throws (using an auto choke cable throw and a simple bellcrank), with some Tortoise switch machines, and Caboose throws for the turnouts that are at or close to the edge of the layout; never reaching over any tracks. Most of the turnouts have operating switch stands using Wolfgang Dudler's plans. John
I prefer the ground throws where reachable on the layout. In those hard to get to areas, I use Kato Unitrack Switches. They are awesome as you can't see the switch machine or solenoid. They are buried in the roadbed. Nice!
Okay. Great thread and while we're on the subject, question: Does anyone know WHO MAKES, SELLS the HO scale, flat switch motor's that sat on the switch blocks?
My layout is all tortoises operated using keyed DPDT switches. I like how they can't be seen at all. Ground throws are way too large in N Scale and make the scene look wrong to my eye.
I used to use under the table atlas switches' but I like the caboose hand throws now' For me more realistic and fun.
I agree the ground throws in N scale are to large. That was until I was watching a switch crew working a small yard in Michigan and then again at the Mitsubishi cement plant here in Lucerne Valley, Ca.. and noticed the tall throws. Unlike the Caboose Hobbies. However, any smaller and these aging hands wouldn't be able to throw them.
Most layouts I have seen, which use tortoise or others below surface mounted, look wrong. Why? Because they are completely missing the switch stand always present in reality. Be it the low ground throw, or a tall stand, without such hardware, they look just as out of place as when using oversized plastic ground throws. Any smaller than they are, in N scale, ground throws would be not only difficult to use, but also fragile.
Some prototype stands stand 6 feet tall, but that part of the stand stays up. Railroads are switching over to a shorter stand that has a more ergonomic throw. The Caboose ground throws are the size on an N Scale VW, not close to any prototype out there. That's why I add switch stands to my switches. NJI makes some nice ones I have installed. They are to scale (I know because I have a real switch stand in my back yard). I have 3 different types of stands to match all the different stands my prototype uses. If I didn't have that option, I'd take spring loaded switches over Caboose Ground throws. Sorry for the grainy pic, but here are a couple I installed. One is a switch stand, the other is a derail stand. That is something no one has mentioned. You don't need to have ground throws or switch machines. You can use spring loaded switches. ME come that was, Atlas code 55 can be converted. It costs pennies a piece to do and looks pretty decent.
What about for the situation where the switches/turnouts are thrown by an operator in an interlocking tower or in some location even further removed?
I like the look of the Atlas C55 switches with the added ground throws per the pic above for looks, with the switch machine mounted underneath for electrically controlled operations that can be used with DCC. That being said, I purchased lots of Peco C55 when I began my track buying so I'm kind of tied to them with their spring mechs. Not as prototypical as the pics above, but bulletproof reliable operations every time. I just flip them with my fingers to operate and then if there happens to be anything out of reach, I use the Peco solenoid type under table machine for reliability and ease of use. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Point353 brings up something I hadn't thought of. As an example, here's Murphy Jct. just north of Asheville, NC. These three turnouts are Dispatcher-controlled and there are no switchstands. On my pike, I do like Karl and have inoperative scale switchstands adjacent to turnouts.
This is where my keyed DPDT switches work well. You don't have the large hand descending into the scene when the switch gets thrown. You also have the tactile nature of getting a key. Having been a switchman on prototype trains, this gives me the sense of unlocking the switch stand to throw a switch. It works for me. One layout I operate on prototypically has all the mainline switches thrown remotely by a dispatcher using JMRI. Switches a crew may need to operate have time locks and switches on the fascia. They also have prototypical looking switch stands so the scene is complete.
