Large Scale Central

Switch stands

Track and Trestles
#1

I want to add some switch stands to my switches. I added two long ties for each switch so I can mount a harp switch stand onto. I see ozark has the harp stands but not sure who else sells them. Im assuming the ozark harp stands are working ones and not just for show? I also did a search and I really like the ones Bruce has on his switches. Where did they come from? I am also thinking about making some to save money. It looks like a simple system. Ozarks will cost over $50 for 5 stands. Any ideas. Here is the ones Bruce has that I like.

#2

Shawn, go to Bruce’s web site, he’ll show you how to make them.

P.S. Perhaps you might have to get the June '07 GR Mag to get the full details.

#3
Randy McDonald said:
Shawn, go to Bruce's web site, he'll show you how to make them.

P.S. Perhaps you might have to get the June '07 GR Mag to get the full details.


Wow that was fast thanks

#4

Hehe. Thanks for the plug, Randy. Those of mine will cost a buck or two each. They work well, though I’ve gone with some thicker brass recently. Some details here: http://jbrr.com/switch-stands.html I’d recommend a torch or a big soldering gun. Don’t try this with an iron!

#5

Guess we will have to buy the back issue to get all the pertinent dimensions etc. :wink:

#6
Randy McDonald said:
Guess we will have to buy the back issue to get all the pertinent dimensions etc. ;)
I MIGHT be able to help you out... ;)
#7
Bruce Chandler said:
Randy McDonald said:
Guess we will have to buy the back issue to get all the pertinent dimensions etc. ;)
I MIGHT be able to help you out... ;)
Bruce any way you can help me out as well. :-) I checked out your site and thats exactly what I was looking for. It seems fairly easy to make. The only question I have is how does the mechenism work? Do you have a close up of it? Now I know where im going tomorrow (buy some brass pieces). Thanks for the link
#8

Shawn, Always happy to help… The arm lifts up and you turn it to throw the points. Let’s see what I have…not sure if it helps or not. Ask more questions if needed. I think that’s a 3/32" brass rod that holds the target, and goes through the base. I soldered a small strip to the bottom under the base to run the wire through to hold the points. A brass strip is wrapped around this rod - and a pin holds the handle. Gaps are cut in the penny to hold the handle in the correct position. You’ll need some small drill bits to get this to work. A center punch helps a lot!

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/P1010794.JPG)

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/P1010796.JPG)

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/P1010804.JPG)

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_1918.JPG)

If I remember, I’ll bring one to York. I need to repair a few out on the layout as it is, something broke off the rod. Just remind me.

#9

Thanks Bruce. Do you have a picture of how the wire attaches to the bottom as well as what the system looks like from the bottom. I think thats all I should need for now to get me going. Thanks again Bruce

#10

I’ll try to remember to take some more pictures when I bring in one to repair. Here’s what I have

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_0414.JPG)

#11

Here’s a shot from the bottom.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7526.JPG)

Does that help?

#12

Sure does Bruce. I am sure Shawn can now build a few of those, and maybe me as well.
Thanks

#13

Bruce, did you use friction to hold the U-clamp to the rod, or did you solder it?

Gonna give this a try, film at 11. :stuck_out_tongue:

#14

Steve, I solder everything I can. I’m using a thicker piece around the rod. I think this is a 1/8" x 1/32". It’s wrapped around the rod and then soldered in place. You need to make sure there is a very good bond here, as this is where a lot of the pressure exists. I center punch it after soldering so I can drill a hole to mount the handle. The handle here just acts as a spacer.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7531.JPG)

After I drill the hole, I run a small eye-pin through that piece and through the handle. These come from MicroMark (http://www.micromark.com/MINIATURE-BRASS-EYE-PINS-PKG-OF-144,7071.html) (.033 inch diameter brass, 1/2 inch long, 3/64 inch inside eye diameter. Approx. 144 pins per package.) I didn’t count how many I got. :wink:

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7532.JPG)

I slip a small nut on the end of the rod, as I don’t want the solder to stick to the base.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7534.JPG)

Next I solder the small brass strip to the bottom of the rod. It’s very important that this faces the same direction as the handle.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7537.JPG)

When I started, I originally cut the target from brass sheet. That didn’t seem like a lot of fun. I found these tags over at McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/#blank-tags/=65bugm). I bought 1540T13, the Blank Metal Engraving and Stamping Tag 18 GA Brass, 1" Round, 3/16" Hole. If I were doing it again, I’d look at 1540T26 Blank Metal Engraving and Stamping Tag 18 GA Brass, 1" Round W/Ear, 7/64" Hole. Then I’d just cut the ear off. As it is now, I have to fill the hole with solder. Repaired and ready to put back on the layout.

(http://jbrr.com/Pics/Switchstands/IMG_7539.JPG)

I bent the handle a bit more as it makes it easier to grab when you’re switching.

#15

Thanks for the updated destructions.

The pin for the handle looks suspiciously like a fish hook with the hook cut off. :stuck_out_tongue:

#16

Thanks Bruce. That was a hudge help. I started buying some of the materials from my local hobby town but they did not have the smaller width brass sheets. I will have to order that from micro or just cut it to the width/length

#17

Shawn,
If you need a bunch of brass, it’s hard to beat McMaster Carr. They deliver very quickly and you can get the exact size you need.

#18
Bruce Chandler said:
Shawn, If you need a bunch of brass, it's hard to beat McMaster Carr. They deliver very quickly and you can get the exact size you need.
Thanks again. Cant wait to get started on this now.
#19

It’s nice too see Bruce taking care of his adopted son! My adopted dad just beats me!
:wink:

#20
David Russell said:
It's nice too see Bruce taking care of his adopted son! My adopted dad just beats me! ;)
Yeah, but you enjoy it!