I've always struggled with finding the best way to wire and throw switches using the KISS methodology. I got some caboose throws this week, but man, they really ARE big. I ordered some micro switched on the bay that have metal mounting tabs on them.. so the switch is mounted to the wood in-line with the throw bar. so, working on some ideas.. I've got some of my prefabs done.. with some evolution (left to right) bigger pics are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/timdiez/Trackwork?authuser=0&feat=directlink I'm trying to get away from the visible z-bend if I can.. with not much luck. I first tried a slot in the throw bar, and no bend in the wire. but there's too much slop. I finally ended up with a long z bend, enabling me to put the wire under the switch.. this way I hope I can mount a dummy switch throw on top of the mini-slider full size: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e3a2elUKyfg/ToKTyXHE2iI/AAAAAAAAEOo/kXH2CZ6URyM/IMG_8250.JPG the wood is popsicle sticks. With twin 9 year olds, I have plenty of those around. they'll get covered up with ballast. What I'd also like to do wire the [electrical] switch to the turnout, so I don't have to run feeder wires down, if that make sense? I'd wire to the outer rails, and the frog, directly to the slide switch. Then I'd have a stand-alone, wired switch, that i can just mount on the layout with out wiring. So replacement would be easier. question is, if I don't solder the tracks, will there be adequate current through everything?
My old habit, tried and true is soldering- Except for switches. Those I let float. Then replacement is possible and the switches can be re-used, easily. With the way I like to wire things, I don't seem to have troubles...
Are you then going to use those electrical slide switches to route power for your railroad switches? We are having an issue at my club with Peco switches that have been relying on points to route power for years. That magical ability doesn't last forever, and so I am looking at retrofitting several with some mechanism to route power. I am thinking of hand-thrown slide switches for this, which will both physically move the switch and then route the power, but I haven't decided on a course, yet. Adam
yep, I plan to wire the elec switch to route power to the frog, from the two outer rails of the switch.. I don't trust the power routing of the track rails.
Yeah I have about twenty Peco N switches(turnouts) that are about twenty years old. and have the same problem. Here is wht I plan on using: http://members.cox.net/alhoop/sstand.jpg Still working on power routing switch for mounting below( a low actuation force snap(micro) switch or a wiper type). Al
