| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| slimrails |
Posted - 10/03/2009 : 8:56:51 PM
Well, after a very long wait, I have finally started to build the Kleefskill Junction on the Sn3 Catskill & Ramapo. I printed out turnout templates and placed them on the benchtop in order to check the track plan. The track plan software uses turnouts that seem sharper than #6, but I was using the HO tools for lack of Sn3 tools in the software so that might have something to do with it. Here's the final track plan:
I've already built the 2'x7' shelf and need to add the 3'x4' addition to the right. The two benches will bolt together with the ability to disassemble the layout for moving to a new home if need be. My RR-Line buddy Mark (MAP) will be recruited for carpentry work in the near future as I clean up around the layout area, construct a new model building bench, and build the supports for the bench work. The turnouts will be #6 with broad curves and code 70 rail. I'll be getting pre-fab turnouts and hand laying all of the other track using wood ties. Although it's a small layout, I want to build it as DCC to eliminate block wiring in case I want to move a couple of locos around from one end to the other. I'm also going to use Tortoise switch machines as well. I won't need anything more than the NCE Power Cab for this operation and it should handle everything. I plan on using a panel with push buttons and position lites instead of using the DCC functions for the turnout activation. I like the way the panel looks and it's easier to glance at the board to see turnout positions using colored LED indicators. Anyway, that's the plan. As things move along I'll post some progress shots.
Russ |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Geezer |
Posted - 02/07/2011 : 01:01:14 AM
Sry for not getting back sooner, but was away from the puter for a while.
Jim - where I worked was industrial and no "switch's" had markers except
on the main line and I didnt get there. The stands with markers that I did see were about
about 26-28" from tiebase to top of marker light. |
| Frederic Testard |
Posted - 01/30/2011 : 7:11:58 PM
It's interesting to see such a variety of sizes. It shows that some reasonable change of scale will not end with an inadequately sized stand.
|
| Locoman |
Posted - 01/30/2011 : 11:44:45 AM
Bill, what is the actural height in inches of the switch stand.
These prototype switch stands range from about 18" to 6'
 |
| slimrails |
Posted - 01/28/2011 : 08:44:34 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Geezer
Do ya think they would be too small for
ON30 narrow gauge? I have a bunch of HO
and a few brass stands from PSC, but am skeptical
with thier use. Bill
Hey, Bill...S scale is 1/64th. The brass kit stand that I made is stand is really closer to HO scale at 1/87. The one that I put together from NJ International (the one with the lighted switch stand lantern) is available from NJI in O scale.  |
| Geezer |
Posted - 01/28/2011 : 06:58:56 AM
Neat stands!!! Nice work as well Russ......
Do ya think they would be too small for
ON30 narrow gauge? I have a bunch of HO
and a few brass stands from PSC, but am skeptical
with thier use.
Bill |
| slimrails |
Posted - 07/01/2010 : 10:01:12 AM
quote:
Originally posted by jbvb
I've had one of the non-operating Sequoia high switch stands on the main track of an HO module for 10 years, during which it's survived probably 100 transport/setup/track-clean/operate/visitors-grope/takedown cycles. The key reason for its survival is that I drilled the center of the casting for a piece of .025 music wire. I soldered the target to the wire, and cut it long enough so it's embedded the full depth of the 3/4" plywood roadbed.
Hey, James...
That's almost exactly what PBL recommends. The target/crank lever shaft is longer than necessary so that it can be 'planted' through a hole further into the layout top material. Since it's basically just me, I simply need to be careful and wear my glasses. |
| jbvb |
Posted - 07/01/2010 : 09:37:23 AM
I've had one of the non-operating Sequoia high switch stands on the main track of an HO module for 10 years, during which it's survived probably 100 transport/setup/track-clean/operate/visitors-grope/takedown cycles. The key reason for its survival is that I drilled the center of the casting for a piece of .025 music wire. I soldered the target to the wire, and cut it long enough so it's embedded the full depth of the 3/4" plywood roadbed. |
| slimrails |
Posted - 07/01/2010 : 07:00:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by dlwrailfan1
That is the million dollar question -- how to protect these nice switch stands during an op session. Wondering!
Well, you could put glass jars over the top of them (just kidding) but it's a non issue with me because I am the sole operator and this is for a small layout. This type of detail is for people who like to 'model' track. These are also used on larger layouts, too, but caution has to be excercised...that's the key. For a layout that sees a lot of visiting operators, this wouldn't be the way to go in busy areas. |
| Mike Hamer |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 11:31:34 PM
Yes, the stands look great Russ. I have found that operators are pretty careful when hand-throwing turnouts when they know that there are more delicate parts nearby. Keep up the fine work! [:-thumbu][:-thumbu] |
| dlwrailfan1 |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 10:53:10 PM
That is the million dollar question -- how to protect these nice switch stands during an op session.
Wondering! |
| Tyson Rayles |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 08:51:28 AM
Great looking stand Russ! |
| George D |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 07:58:42 AM
Russ, your persistence paid off! The switch stand looks great. The two others weren’t failures, look at it like Edison did, you discovered two ways that wouldn’t work.
George
|
| MAP |
Posted - 06/30/2010 : 07:51:45 AM
All right Russ! Looks like you've nailed this one with a great looking (and working!) switch stand. It sure must have been fun removing, cleaning, asembling & painting all of those itty-bitty pieces! |
| Dutchman |
Posted - 06/27/2010 : 7:26:26 PM
Congrats, Russ. It is a neat looking stand to boot.
As for the turnout motor wire protruding up, don't cut it too short. Must allow for some expansion/contraction with humidity, etc. There is nothing more frustrating than a wire that ends up just a wee bit short.[:-bigeyes] Yes, I've been there.[:-banghead]
I have some non-operating switch stands on my layout and they do look great. However, as careful as I am in not knocking them over, I somehow do.[:-ashamed] |
| slimrails |
Posted - 06/27/2010 : 5:24:21 PM
Oooops...don't worry, I'll trim the turnout motor wire protruding up through the throw bar. |
