Ross #50 Brass Switch stand

I have over 3o of these little babies on the layout and they really look great, espcially when the lights are dim. You will certainly enjoy them.

and "Do those oh so delicate little wire leads  present any special problems"?

NOT the wires as much as the thin metal rod to connect to the throwbar. you have to make a really small hole in the throw rod to make the lantern head correctly turn.

Roger, What size wire do you use for the switchstands???

It was either 22 or 24....it was what ever I had on hand that was the smallest wire.

Can you actually "throw" a switch with these, or do they rotate as another method is used? Thanks -Glenn

         

The actual switch machine sits on the other side of the track from the switchstand. The switch stand merely mimics the movements initiated and contolled in the switch machine.

Can you actually "throw" a switch with these, or do they rotate as another method is used?

NO you can't actually throw the switch. Only the lantern rotates. the arm and simulated mechanism is just a brass detail.

 The lantern on the right shows a typical breaking point. The mini "e washer" is missing and the brass housing/bearing insert broke.

Has anyone successfully installed these on an Atlas switch?  If so can you post some PIX?

The stand works great on Ross switches, but I also have quite a few Atlas switches.  Thanks.

Does anyone know what the voltage is for these?

The two I have at home are reg. incandescant bulbs.  I use 12-14v to power.  Seems fine.

 

However, you might want to call Tom or Steve at Ross and ask.  They, like other mfrs. of items of this sort, may be contemplating a switch to LED's.  That would be fine with me, since I have a BUNCH more I'd like to add before my bucket list is done.

 

Besides, they are nice guys to talk with!!

 

KD

Same here, 13 to 14 volts with no trouble.

if you have a spare transformer with a throttle you can use it as a dimmer to set the mood when all lights are off other than the small switch stand lights.
I liked sitting in the early morning darkness with them dimly lit and just daydream.

Is there a web site showing the details and etc. for the Ross switchstand?  Thanks.....Ed L.

Does anyone actually have a picture of these Brass Switch Stands on their layout?

 

Can I use them with my Ross 175M Double Crossover to actually indicate whether the switch is opened or closed?

 

Also, do I have to use a manual throw with these or will they work with either of the DZ Switch Machines?

 

Thanks for your time!

I use mine with the DZ 1000 Switch Machines,make sure the wire from the lantern is not binding on the switch motor. 

I now use mine as static lanterns on my Ross dbl #175 crossover.

 

i will look but think a photo I had was deleted.

 

but they look awesome and yes you can use a manual throw and yes they can show which way the switches are set for.

 

Dz or any other switch motors will work with the Ross #50 switch stand as they mount on opposite side away from switch motor.

 

you won't be sorry once lights are off it gives that Early Christmas Morning feeling.

I have mine stored in the projects box, did wonder if they actually threw the switch, now I know,  thanks for the thread.

I did a couple of NJ International switch stands on Atlas switches and linked them with small brass wire.

 

Good morning everyone, I have these switch stands on all my Ross Turnouts.

As a few members mentioned above they do look good at night.

 

They can be interesting getting the linkage set up so when the turnout is thrown the switch stand lantern turns all the way around and vice versa.

 

I use Caboose Industries ground throws for my turnouts and sometimes if the linkage to the switch stand is not correct the turnout points won't move all the way over and creates a derailment.

 

For me it took some time to get the switch stands setup properly but the do add detail and interest to a normally bland looking turnout.

 

I just send 12 volts to the lanterns to power them up.

I believe they tell you 12 or 14 volts in the instructions with the switch stand for long bulb life.

 

Another thing to be careful with is the wiring because the wires are very fine and I learned real quick to solder the feeder wires to the existing wires of the switch stand before the switch stand is installed on the turnout.

Not much fun under a layout trying to solder to these fine wires.

 

Has anyone that has used these switch stands found a source for the wire that is used for the linkage?

I have two stands that I cut the wire to short and tried different wires but not with much luck.

The original wire is very stiff and holds it shape once it is bent.

I tried some wire from craft stores but that's not the answer along with some different wire from wire feeder welders.

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

 

 Thanks in advance, Merry Christmas

Thanks for the replies, guys.  That's exactly what I was looking for/needed to know!!

Try transformer coil wire. Radio shack is where I have gotten it before, they may still carry it.

Sent from my HTC

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you can buy spring wire at most hobby shops

Good morning Moodster08 and Clem, heading out to do some shopping today I will stop at both of the locations you suggested and see what I can find.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!!!

 

Merry Christmas 

In regard to the wire call Ross and they can provide them.

Mikey

Another name is music wire.  If you can't fine it locally try Micro-Mark.

 

Jan

 

PS.  Forget MicroMark

Good afternoon, tried Radio Shack and the people did not have clue what I was talking about.

Hobby shop did not have anything either.

 

Tried the Ross thing a few months ago and was told the wire linkages were only available if you bought the complete switch stand.

 

My next stop will be Micro Mark.

Just got a new catalog last month.

 

Merry Christmas !!!! 

I'm surprised the hobby shop didn't have that Its used in radio control planes. And also used for handrails on locomotives.

Could you use a resistor to reduce track power?  If so, and track is at 18v what would you use to step it down.

Hello Clem, this hobby shop isn't what it use to be.

But since you mentioned airplanes there is a place here that specializes in remote control  airplane parts and pieces, I will check there.

 

Thanks !!!

Merry Christmas 

I'm probably a little late to the party on this on this one, but do the manual switch stands, like those of Ross, NJ International or Caboose come with the mechanism for connect to the points or do I have to supply that myself?  

The turnout itself should come with the throw-bar already attached to the points. Thus, a manual switch stand, is attached to the hole in either end of that throw-bar, depending on which side one desires the switch stand to be mounted. I use nothing but Caboose Hobbies manual switch throws on all my Atlas turnouts that are with in reach, otherwise I have an electric underneath the layout that operates the turnout.

Thank you Hot Water.  I've always like Caboose Hobbies switch stands and may get some for my switches.