Thanks, Matt and Pawel. I'm happy to learn of these motors. I have not laid any track permanently yet. I will be going this route for sure. Matt, the video was great. It is what I want to accomplish. Thanks. Jim
Hi Jim. In my opinion, and at least until Atlas turnout release, Wright's were in my opinion the best RTR turnouts for our scale. Definitly wat I had been crying for for years. As they are true power routing turnouts with no hinged parts, you have a total electrical continuity and provided you're using a snail speed controller you can watch yours locos running on these at a scale walking man pace without the least hitch... Dom
Thanks, Dom That is good to hear. I bought 6 of them many years ago, 3 right and 3 left for a 2 foot switching module. I understand Mr. Wright is no longer making them which is too bad for all of us. I have several options for the switch machines. I am eager to try my hand at converting the Marklin turnouts to under the table ones. I have dozens of their switches. Jim
Outside of the spikes that Peter Rights had molded in (tear in eye), You can make the exact same with a Fast Tracks (https://www.handlaidtrack.com/fixtures-z-turnouts) or simple overlays on printed templates (uh, https://www.handlaidtrack.com/track-templates-z ). There was an e-bay guy, strangely also from Canada, that periodically listed them in the Z category.
Thanks, Jeff I don't think I'm ready for Fast Tracks. Having all those options for switches is great. I will be using Peter Wright's turnouts with the MP5 switch motors for a 2' switching module. Which brings me to another thought, have you seen examples of layouts where the turnouts are controlled manually by rods or piano wire? It seems much more interactive to manually throw the switches by hand in a small yard layout. Any thoughts will be appreciated. Jim
Jim, If a good builder such as John Mui builds your fast track turnouts you will have little or no trouble with them as they are as reliable as the Peter Wright's version, there's just a little difference in the throw rod connection. I have both Peter Wright's and Fast Tracks, built by John Mui. I use the manual method to throw them as you asked about. I'm using the Blue Point which are smaller than most turnout motors. This picture shows a Peter Wright turnout using a Blue Point manual machine with the throw knob showing on the edge of the module. A simple push/pull machine and the tension can be adjusted to put more or less pressure on the points. Peter Wright turnouts are a joy to own.......sorry he is no longer making them. Loren
Thank you, Loren That is what I was thinking about. Since this is a stub end service/repair module it seems like the right option. More fun to operate. I have had the Peter Wright turnouts for many years waiting for the right opportunity to use them. They have been well cared for. I had not heard of the other guy making custom switches. Thanks, I'll file it under useful info. Jim
A bit delayed response to your pictures of 12 october, Klaus. What a difference it makes, this scenery, looking very good. I agree with Pawel, nice colour mix. Love the concrete bridge. Maybe drybrush the road with grey(ish) colours, it looks very black to me (or put some machinery on it - brand new tarmac ) Matt