Large Scale Central

Simple switch throw discovered by accident

Track and Trestles
#1

Last fall, when prepping the RR for winter operations I did a ‘quick fix’ to one of my switches that had been giving me problems with cars picking the points. I didn’t want to take the time then to pull the switch for repair. The fix was to place a sheet metal screw between the throw-bar and tie to hold the point tight to the stock rail.

I’ve left this fix in place since I hadn’t been using the siding. Yesterday I was running some operations and needed the siding. When I started to remove the screw, the points threw over tightly to the diverging route :slight_smile: NICE, no need to remove the screw and fight with the troublesome switch.

I always carry a screwdriver when operating so needing a tool is not a problem. I may just try this on some other problem switches :slight_smile: Perhaps I’ve found an even simpler alternative to Paul Norton’s bell crank.

Photo this evening.

#2

Pics Please! I don’t fully understand?

#3
Jon Radder said:
Photo this evening.
:)

Was too busy switching yesterday for pics. Will get out there after work today and take a couple.

#4

Sorry this is late :slight_smile: I took the picture, but it was over 90 in the house and the lake was calling :smiley: Here’s the pic. Just a single screw force fit between the throw-bar and a tie…

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/Post3/ScrewThrow.JPG)

#5

Now I Get It. … Dahhh. Its jest a friction thing? and not screwed into the ground…

Thanks

#6

Right! The screw is short, about 1/4", and just big enough around to have some friction between the throw and tie.

#7

Good idea Ill have to give it a try.

#8

Hmmm, I wonder if it will work with turnouts made by other manufactures besides Aristocraft. A very simple idea, kind of one of those “duh” moments.

#9

Should work on anything that has a throw bar big enough to bite on and a narrow enough space to the next tie. Note from the picture that it looks like it torques the throw bar some. That may not be great for the switch. -OR- The points are crooked on the throw bar and that’s why the darn thing never worked right :slight_smile:

#10

Jon,

You may have to do a product review for the next issue of GR magazine.

#11

This would be a great temporary repair if the end of a plastic throw bar breaks and won’t hold the connecting rod for our L bracket switch throws. http://ovgrs.editme.com/files/Switches/Throw-J.bmp In time everything plastic seems to fail and has to be replaced with metal.

(http://ovgrs.editme.com/files/Switches/Throw-E.jpg)

#12

I must report that after a few uses the screw no longer has a positive bite on the tie and throw bar an no longer works. Probably why this isn’t in common use.

#13

Well Jon,
It was probably things like this that led to the demise of the narrow gauge :slight_smile: