To clarify: I am not looking for something to actually operate turnouts. I looked at walthers.com and couldn't come up with anything to resemble the silver power switch machines seen on CTC-controlled modern railroads. Anybody know of a part? I remember seeing them used on the MR BN Mississippi Line project railroad, so I know they are out there somewhere. Can anyone help me find out where? Thanks.
Somebody used to make those, like Detail Associates I think. I have not seen them available for years.
I found this post, which is I think what we're talking about here, although a lot of them are more "silver" in appearance and there are slight variations. I've also seen them painted black as well. Switch Machine Photo Topic Craig, if I get you detail pics and measurements, would you be interested? I've been wanting these for a while...I've actually been planning to scratchbuild one to see how it goes.
Railway Express made a non-functioning casting of a switch machine, but not as a separate part - it was with an assortment of trackside details - #2151 Railroad Mainline Details. I have it 'front and center' on the crossover switch at Flagstaff: I love it and want to carpet the whole layout with them - Santa Fe was all power switches on the main turnouts & CTC controls. [ 06. August 2004, 15:51: Message edited by: randgust ]
The pictures from that thread are what I had in mind. Although I hate to say it, I am steering away from resin details because of the time involved in making them (plus many other factors). However, I will be looking at other forms of manufacturing down the road that are more then capable of producing this part. I'll put these on the list of things to do...
Right on guys, and thanks for the help with the photos. I found a photo on the HO scale Details West site. http://www.detailswest.com/images/wpe9678.gif Hopefully, someone is listening as I need to "carpet" my layout with them as well!
