Something I have been fiddling with in my spare time. It is 100% brass. There’s a spring under the base that keeps it in position. To rotate it, the whole staff raises up & turns 90 degrees.
And before anyone asks: yes, they will be for sale… eventually.
You interested in some prototype drawings of switch stands? I’ve got a few I can forward to you.
Sure
On the way via fancy electronics and zeros and ones…
Sweet. Thanks.
Nice - I love the old style “pump handle” switch stands. There is one near me on a switch the has had the frog removed. I’ve been tempted to liberate it, but even if I could get the spikes out I probably couldn’t lift it.
Excellent work, Burl. I started on a switch stand model a couple years ago; no where near as realistic looking as yours though.
Now, is it made of special flexible brass which will spring back into the upright position after you trip over it? 
Seriously, they look cool. If I weren’t so clumsy as to continually trip over my low-profile Bachmann machines, I’d probably be down for a few.
Later,
K
Nope, just regular brass. When I do build another layout, I’m doing a raised bed. I realize there are switch stands already available that are beefier than mine - I’m not trying to reproduce those.
I will be looking with interest in these as I love the look and like using manual switch stands. Since my layout under construction is elevated, I have no issues with tripping over them and needing that magical springy brass.
Dan