That is my question. Are there any mechanical under-bench turnout controls to consider other than Bullfrogs? I like the idea of mechanical controls for my small layout. I like the way the Bullfrogs appear to function with one exception, the pull-handle looks cheesy and delicate. But I think there is a solution for that somewhere on the internet; a lever of some sort that looks more trainy... And I like pictures and links if anybody has a home-fabricated solution . ..
I think there should be a solution online for you. I will check "The Archive" for you for an old article. Give me a little time on this. You may come up with a design on your own as well after getting some ideas.
you can buy a train lever that goes on the side of your fascia from hump yard purveyance .... it's similar to those that go on top of the layout right next to the turnout ... i just used the caboose industries ones that go right beside the turnout on top
That definitely looks like an option, but I cannot find Hump Yard Purveyance. Do you have a web address?
web address used to be humpyard.com, but i haven't checked it for a few years.. today it seems like it's down..
From posts on other sites it looks like it has been permanently down for some time Interesting item. I'd be interested to know if the small handle actually locks the main lever. If so does it only lock it in the extreme throw position either way or will it lock it at any point on the throw. Sumner
I don't have those, but from the look of it, it doesn't lock anything, it's just there for looks, lol
I'm gonna hazard a guess that the little black slider in the track bed on my Unitrack switches does not qualify for what you want...
What about the ground throws from Caboose Industries? They are a lot stronger than they look and will work with cables or piano wire.
I also wanted manual turnout control that included some mechanism at the fascia to throw the turnout and also power the frog. I found an article that described a method using wall light switches and a simple linkage. The best part is that the switch, box and control rod is very inexpensive. Mounting wasn't too difficult and they have been performing reliably. I've included a link to the article https://www.dropbox.com/s/h6bo8ql05gzejse/TurnoutControl.pdf?dl=0
That is actually pretty ingenuitive and probably the most durable of switching machines. It takes a lot of space though, and is as ugly as the turtle, or tortoise, or whatever its called. Thanks Robert.
I like these Blue Point Controllers. These are small and adjustable. The big advantage they have over the Bullfrog is the shot throw at the fascia control.
Okay. So I bought one bullfrog control just so I could see if I liked it before I bought 15 and installed them. I built it and set it on my desk less than a week ago. I occasionally pick it up and click it back and forth. Less than a week later, it has completely failed. The ballbearing-spring lock has all but seized. Back to the drawing board . ..
You know for not too awfully much more than what 15 bullfrogs and the control linkage would cost you could buy a 3D printer and print mounts and such for 15 servo operated turnout controls and the servos and electronics to control them .... https://www.trainboard.com/highball...ervo-control-the-easy-inexpensive-way.132703/ Sumner