Hello everyone , I am looking for some manual switch machines for my Ross switches. I can be contacted at jba435@gmail.com.
Thanks, Jerry
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Hello everyone , I am looking for some manual switch machines for my Ross switches. I can be contacted at jba435@gmail.com.
Thanks, Jerry
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Do you mean ground throws?
Google this "o scale ground throws" and you'll find them.
Yes, I thought they were synonymous with switch machines. Sorry and thank you
Caboose Industries O-Scale ground throws. We have a bunch of them and they've worked great.
One caveat, though is they should be placed on the straight leg of the turnout lest they get hit by low-hanging long cars (Gunderson Bulkhead container cars, MTH Amtrak SuperLiners). We actually got one sheared off by an MTH SuperLiner. They're pretty easy to replace if that happens, though, so you should keep a couple of spares on hand.
The Caboose Industries model number that you want is #208s. These have a spring action to hold the switch points tight. Caboose Industries also makes a model number 107r (the r stands for rigid, as in no spring action). These don't work nearly as well as the 208s. They are available from lots of suppliers.
For switches that are located too far away for a ground throw, there are the Blue Point Turnout Controller and the BullFrog Manual Turnout Control (https://www.handlaidtrack.com/bullfrogs).
Paul, can you expand a bit more how hard it is to hook up the Blue Point Turnout Controller and Bullfrog Manual Turnout Control? I like this idea and did not know it was available - especially to throw two switches manually at once.
Thank you.
Paul - a big fan of less wiring.
How hard or easy they are to hook up is subjective and will vary based on a person's handiness with doing this kind of work. I feel they are well designed and made and that installation is relatively easy if you take your time and follow the instructions. There is more assembly with the Bull Frog Manual Turnout Control unit whereas the Blue Point unit comes assembled. Complexity also depends on where and how they are being installed - at what angle to the layout fascia, how far away, wiring or platform supports that may be in the way, etc.
I do not know about throwing two switches manually at once.
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