Del-Aire switch machines

Hi Everyone,

I am planning on purchasing some Del-Aire pneumatic swich machines. Could anyone give me more info on the products, I've been emailing the company with no luck. Would also like to know if there is a dealer in Canada? Please send the good and bad about these machines.

Thanks,

Ron

 

Have you been to their web site??

http://www.delaire.com

Have never ever heard anything bad about them. Most people that use them, love them.

 

never heard of them. What scale are they?

 

Z to G scale. They are machines for throwing the points of a turnout. Been around a long time.

 

I've tried to email the Del-Aire people may times and can't get a reply. I'm a little afraid about what happens with after purchase question, who do I contact etc. Please I need more info.
Thanks,
Ron

 

Have you tried to call them??

 

One of the members in my local NTRAK club uses the DEL-AIRE switch motors and he says they are a good idea. He is quite happy with them. He runs his off his workshop air compressor. he said the biggest thing was to get used to the idea that not all switch machines had to be air controlled. You could combine electric powered units with air powered units.

I am using slow motion switch machines myself, just because I have a whole bunch of them already.

 

A word of caution if you plan to use your shop air compressor to operate the Del-Air units! Before opening the supply air to your railroad, be sure you install a separate pressure regulator in the railroad supply line, and back it off to where NO air will flow through it from the compressor! That way you will not blow up the del-air unit.

All you have to do then is to slowly set the regulator to allow enough air to pass as needed to make the Del-Air unit operate. Too much pressure can move the solid rails when the point rails get against them.

Long before Del-Air started up, we made small bellows like the key operating bellows on a player piano, and used a vacuum pump. They are cheap, easy to make and quiet. They also work like the air pressure type by holding the fly (point) rails in place as long as your pump is running. They can be made any size and shape, and will lift draw bridges, operate cranes, and lift duckunder bridges, as well as act as shock absorders when letting the duckunder back down slowly.

[ 16. August 2002, 14:36: Message edited by: watash ]