ground throws - Printable Version

+- (https://bigbluetrains.com)
+-- Forum: Mainline (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=17)
+--- Forum: N/Z and Smaller Modeling (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=20)
+--- Thread: ground throws (/showthread.php?tid=231)

ground throws - joefryfry - 12-17-2008

I had tortoise switch machines in HO, but then again I never had a yard. I want to use ground throws on my new layout for the yard. Suggestions? I don't care if they aren't the most realistic, I only care that they work well and are reliable. I am using Atlas code 55 #5 turnouts. Do I need to power the frogs? My only engine as of now is a Proto RS-2. I won't have anything shorter than that. Thoughts? Thanks.

Re: ground throws - nomad - 12-17-2008

Joe, I will try and get you a picture tomorrow, I am using dpdt slide switches. The only linkage is a piece of wire. About as easy and reliable as you can get.

Loren

Re: ground throws - joefryfry - 12-18-2008

Do Tortoise machines work well with N? Any modifications i would have to make to use them in N? Are they too powerful? I have 4 and would like to use them, maybe more. Thanks.

Re: ground throws - eightyeightfan1 - 12-21-2008

I think the Tortise is a "Non-Scale Specific" item.
Shouldn't have a problem.

Re: ground throws - Will_Annand - 01-29-2009

Tortoise switches are excellent in N I have 14 working on my layout, with 5 more awaiting install, hopefully this weekend. Smile

As for Ground throws, have a look at the working HO ones from Osborn Models.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.muskokacomputes.com/MR-HO-A-RRA.html">http://www.muskokacomputes.com/MR-HO-A-RRA.html</a><!-- m --> (at the bottom of the page, items RRA-1059 and RRA-1060)

They are a little large, but look prototypical. much nicer than the Caboose throws.

Re: ground throws - TinGoat - 01-29-2009

Will_Annand Wrote:Tortoise switches are excellent in N I have 14 working on my layout, with 5 more awaiting install, hopefully this weekend. Smile

As for Ground throws, have a look at the working HO ones from Osborn Models.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.muskokacomputes.com/MR-HO-A-RRA.html">http://www.muskokacomputes.com/MR-HO-A-RRA.html</a><!-- m --> (at the bottom of the page, items RRA-1059 and RRA-1060)

They are a little large, but look prototypical. much nicer than the Caboose throws.

The Osborn Models are made from laser cut plywood. They are NOT operational! They are scale models of prototype switch-stands that are meant to be used with Tortoise or Blue Point throws.

Re: ground throws - tetters - 01-29-2009

I'll put in a vote for the Caboose Industry Ground Throws. Just make sure you get the ones with the internal spring as they are more forgiving when installing them.
http://www.cabooseind.com//pr1.html

Re: ground throws - Will_Annand - 02-09-2009

"TinGoatThe Osborn Models are made from laser cut plywood. [size=150 Wrote:They are NOT operational![/size] They are scale models of prototype switch-stands that are meant to be used with Tortoise or Blue Point throws.

Tin Goat, you are half right..... they are made from laser cut plywood....

BUT, THEY ARE OPERATIONAL!

They come with connecting wires and are designed to turn.

Re: ground throws - joefryfry - 02-09-2009

I just ended up using tortoise machines, there's 11 of them, they work fine with N. Thanks for the input and maybe it will help some other folks.

Re: ground throws - MasonJar - 02-09-2009

Will,

Are those Osborne throws designed to move the turnout (like a Caboose ground throw) or do they move the target in response to the turnout being thrown by something like a Tortoise (or finger... Wink)?

Thanks,

Andrew

Re: ground throws - tetters - 02-09-2009

It is my understanding that they can be used to operate with a Tort to simulate a ground throw with a moving target. I have a package of them at home and they do not look they are meant to be used as the "sole" means for throwing points.

Re: ground throws - Will_Annand - 02-10-2009

I sent an email to Derek Osborn.
His answer was:

Hi Bill
The stands can be made to be operational but they were designed to be static

Regards,
Derek Osborn
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.osbornmodelkits.com">www.osbornmodelkits.com</a><!-- w -->