Large Scale Central

Evolution of a switch position detector bracket

Modeling Technical Modeling
#1

Part of working signaling is detecting which way a switch is thrown. Smaller scales piggyback off their switch machines, but I dont have that luxury. I also need something waterproof. I found some IP67-rated limit switches that would fit the bill, but needed a mounting bracket that would position it correctly. Here’s the four evolution of the brakcet from left to right, and the finished one in position on the switch.

IMG_3094
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These will get a cover that will look like a battery box or some other trackside whatzit.

4 Likes
#2

I’m really loving your work on this Bob!

#3

Bob, I too am enjoying this beta testing.

I’m secretly smiling as I find myself doing similar things with my 3D printer. The funny thing is that sometimes I spend more time drawing up and waiting for the printer to create my prototypes than it would have taken with some styrene and a saw.

And yet I have a great sense of accomplishment when I walk back into the room and it’s sitting on the printer bed.

Go figure…:grinning:

#4

A 3 pinner as well.

Nice idea!!!

I was thinking if you wanna try design #6 then maybe extend under the rails to keep it more stable to the switch it is located or basically sister to the switch it resides on. Once you come up with something solid hit mass print drop in your micro switch then fill it with some caulk and cap it making it a sealed unit that is non serviceable. If it craps out you just slide in another unit.

Think that’s how I would approach it if it was me. However I’m just a :rooster:

BD switch - Copy
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1 Like
#5

Yea, I can’t say I’m, wild about how this looks. A bit too contrived for me. Going to experiment some more.

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IMG_30951920×1440 219 KB

#6

Bob,

If there was a way to move further away from the track it would look better. think about using a brass rod that fits a hole in your case, that can act like a bearing on that end and the other end bent over and inserted in your throw bar. knowing your track layout not easy to move a distance away either. are these primarily for mainline switches or will these be on yard switches as well? to switch it up you could make round ones as well as B&M had battery cellars that were round with a domed tin lid.

Al P.

#7

Only for mainline, so I can move them away a bit. I think I can jigger this mount to be about 2" away, like you said, with a brass rod, and then have it look more like a standard battery box.

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