Does anyone still use Del-Aire pneumatic switch motors for their turnouts? These were popular 'back in the day' as an alternative to the twin coil switch machines which were prone to burning out if energized too long.
I read an article regarding home-brew pneumatic switch motors in MR many decades ago and had forgotten all about this alternative. I think it'd be the perfect choice for fans of the PRR and others too. I was once standing adjacent to one on CR when it was activated and it scared the heck out of me with its quick-action loud BANG followed by a whoosh of air. Del-Aire is out of business and I'm not sure about Ea-Ze Air at [ http://www.portlines.com/delaire.htm ]
Correct, Del-Aire has been out of business for about 25 or so years. The reason I asked is that my neighbor has just obtained several of the kits that contain four complete switch motors along with all the hardware, manifold, tubing and the all important air toggles. That is enough to do four switches (turnouts). These have never been used and still in the original box. Last I heard, these air motors were the darling of the garden RR people as they could be used no matter what the weather and were not susceptible to all the weather related maladies that could affect electrically operated systems.
Great story! One of those "scared and then fascinated" things, I bet. Things that can often happen with railroads. Doug
I think the story goes that pneumatic turnout control on the prototype was in use in the latter 19th Century and was adopted by a number of roads in years that followed. Electricity was a fairly new and unreliable science and advances in electric motors had yet to be made. Compressed air brought reliable and weatherproof muscle, and when combined with simple low voltage circuitry to control the valves (aka Electro-Pneumatic), the system increasingly took root in the new century. Neat stuff.
