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Is there a way to make a manual Atlas switch "remote" without getting a remote switch machine? Perhaps by pulling some cables under the layout? My layout is on an 8'x4'. I just thought that since there are a lot of creative hobbyists out there, and they may have thought of an alternative.
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Hello Mike.
Take a look here. I used them and they work great.
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Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
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For a second there I thought GaryS was back.....
Anybody heard from him...???
As for the switch machines...I think it's probably more trouble than it's worth. Just replace them with electrics....
You can find stuff like that by the ton on eBay....
Gus (LC&P).
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I remember that thread Loren and still think its a brilliant way to operate turnouts!
Ralph
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Ralph Wrote:I remember that thread Loren and still think its a brilliant way to operate turnouts!
Ralph
You bet Ralph! I am hoping to use a combination of them and slide switches on the layout I am building now.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 53
Threads: 19
Joined: Feb 2009
Thanks, everyone.
I'm also thinking of using slide switches and some nylon cords. Also, I'm thinking of using potentiometers to "reel in" the cords. I'll see what I can do.
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Michael, if you use slide switches a much easier way is to use music or piano wire ( same thing?). For longer runs of wire, put the wire inside aluminum or brass tubing to keep it from flexing and then bury the tubing in the table top or cover it with scenery. At the turnout end of the wire, bend the wire into a Z shape so the pressure on the turnout points is relieved. Kind of makes it a spring.
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 437
Threads: 24
Joined: Dec 2008
Steamtrains Wrote:For a second there I thought GaryS was back.....
Anybody heard from him...???
As for the switch machines...I think it's probably more trouble than it's worth. Just replace them with electrics....
You can find stuff like that by the ton on eBay....
Hi Gus. As far as I know nobody has heard from Gary S. But he is a registered user. :?: :?: :?:
Loren
I got my first train when I was three,
put a hundred thousand miles on my knees.
Posts: 1,897
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Joined: Dec 2008
Micheal, another method for doing a remote switch would be an automotive choke cable assembly. With the advent of smog controlled cars cars in the U.S. which has made a manual choke and carburetors obsolete, they are not as common here as they once were. You might be able to find choke cables readily at auto parts stores in the Philippines.