When visiting the club layout last Thursday, a member shown us is new device to control Peco turnout with push button. He used copper wire, cheap cupboard handles and bolts/nuts.

It work pretty well and smoothly. The design itself is almost bullet proof. He's confident he could make it control 2 interlocked turnout together. Also, the system could be easily adapted for traditionnal turnout without spring.

It looks good too. It cost about $2.50 per turnout which is relatively cheap. The only downside is that you don't have visual indication about the turnout position. On this respect, I'd like to build operating switchstand one day.







Matt

As an admirer of simple and inexpensive turnout control I have to say it doesn't seem to get much simpler and cheaper than that! The handles do look nice on the fascia.
Ralph

Wow , looks pretty good from here ! I wonder if the tension in the wire would suffer over time ?

Terry

teejay Wrote:Wow , looks pretty good from here ! I wonder if the tension in the wire would suffer over time ?

Terry

Terry, I had the same concern too. Since it doesn't need a lot of tension, it should be ok for now. I think Louis used what he had on hand to make a decent mock up, probably #14 electric wire. Never underestimate a boy that grew up on a poor farm!

To save on cost, we used 10 handles economic pack sold for about $16 in home improvement store.

When we first discussed this project, we though about using thick music wire. I once tried it on a portable layout and it was spartan but quite sturdy.

Not seen is a small tubing piece inserted through the lumber to minimize friction from the bold. He used a plastic straw because he didn't had metal tubing in hand. I'm not sure if the tubing is really necessary. The straw is probably strong enough for this purpose.

Matt