I was going through my stash of N scale stuff when I happened upon some pneumatic switch machines made by De-Aire Products Co. I think they were located in Easton, PA. The company is long gone but, in the day, when the twin coil switch machine was the primary means of powering a switch, these were popular. Later, a company in California produced a similar product. These were popular with the outdoor G scale crowd as they required no wiring which could be affected by the elements. They were air operated and practically indestructible, having basically one moving part. I was wondering if anyone still uses them or has any laying around unused.
@GGNInNScale recently had some to sell at https://www.trainboard.com/highball...tion-controls-25-for-all.156226/#post-1311356 Not sure if they sold or not.
I think if someone was so inclined, they could adapt parts from McMaster Car to build their own. They have some small air cylenders with 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch throws. You would just need to link them to the turnout (Easier said than done). https://www.mcmaster.com/products/linear-motion-actuators/bore-size~5-32/ Those toggle control valves are another story. McMaster is way too expensive for those. Some that look like they might work are on Amazon, but you would need the barbed fittings too....Which can be obtained from McMaster.
Those toggle control valves have always been the most expensive part of the equation. I bought mine back when Del-Aire Products had just quit business and all of the parts except the toggle valves were priced at under $5.00US. Today, I would go with a simple DPDT switch available for under $1.00 on EBay. Not only is it far cheaper but it can do more than just move the switch points.
I would be very concerned about moisture in the air, condensing and freezing in the lines. cylinders, etc. in cold weather. The flexible air lines could probably handle it, but the cylinders and controls... maybe not, especially if moisture in the lines runs downhill and collects there. Heat-shrink tubing pieces that include thermally activated sealants work well for securing electrical wire connections in wet environments.
