Hi All - I'm designing a 6' shelf switching layout and am planning on using Peco code 55 turnouts. I'm trying to keep it very, very simple. I'm not familiar with Peco turnouts, but understand they have a spring that holds the points in place. Can they simply be thrown with a fingertip? Is this not a good idea? Maybe oils from my fingers on the rails will be a problem? It would be simple. I think even Blue Points and Bullfrogs would be too complicated for what I want to do. Thoughts? Advice? Yay or Nay?
Use your fingers on the outside of rails, by flicking throwbar back and forth. Have you seen Caboose Industries ground throws? E-mail me. I used to live on LI, and go there once in a while. Joe D
You could also use a tool, like an uncoupler pick, to bend the iron. The biggest lesson learned from my first N scale, Peco track layout was, "Feed the Frog." Periodically cleaning the points and stock rails will improve running reliability.
Both good ideas. I might use the Caboose Industries throws with the switches because I do want to power the frog. I still might use a Bullfrog here and there if access or real estate is a problem. Unless there's a way to power the frog with my finger... Maybe that "slide switch" method with the pushrod to the turnout? I'd have to check to throw on the switch to see if that would work.
My Dads layout was built back in the day of Peco code 80 switches before Electrofrogs and Code 55 was thought of. He has some switches that are too far to reach with fingers. To throw the switch he made up a linkage that was under the layout, cut into the styrofoam, that was made of brazing rod. The materials to make the linkage was cheap, however it was time consuming to make 20+ linkages for the layout. The linkages have proven themselves with over 30 years of usage with virtually no problems.
Use the Peco turnouts as they are. Mostly all of the modules on my club's NTrak layout do and they work fine, some of them are several year old. We simply push the points over or if you want to avoid touching the rail, you can push the throwbar. Simple, no Ned for anything else.
Yes the slide switch method works see here http://kdrail.blogspot.com/p/unfinished-door-layout.html scroll aways
Nice Dwayne! I found your blog through Google. Very nice! ...and very eerie, too. I also started with a small 2x4' layout, then a 36" HCD, and now the shelf switching layout. Twilight Zone stuff! My shelf is 16" wide and I'm thinking of mounting the slide switches on the edge and using pushrods through the foam also. Wonder where I got that idea from?... Thanks!
I guess my next question would be... Does anyone know what the throwbar travel is on a Peco C55 N scale turnout? I'd like to match a slide switch to it as close as possible.
Caboose industries ground throws are .165 which is enough movement to throw a Peco c80 turnout. I am guessing that is the same with c55. Doug
