Point/switch motors.

[Steveford666]

I have a Peco radius 5 set of points. I bought some point motors (Peco) with the extended lever bar. But no matter how I look at it, I cannot see a way of fitting one to the points. I don't relish the idea of an electric point motor stuck under the points in the open. All I can think of is building a wood cabin next to the points and having rodding across to the points. Any ideas how to get round this problem? How have you solved it?

As it is perishing outside, I can put this together indoors.


Later, I want make my own points and so the problem will not arise. The tiebars of the points can be extended as far as I want to the solenoid or electric motor and worm drive. I used to use fishing line and springs on a OO gause years ago. (At least all the point levers were in one place on the board).

 

[Gizzy]

Steve, do you have a picture?

I've never actually seen a Peco motor fitted to a Peco G Scale point and I know that they make a base plate to fit an LGB motor for their points....

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=PEPL-8&style=main&strType=g&Mcode=Peco PL-8

 

[Neil Robinson]

I respectfully suggest you investigate the suitability of Peco point motors for outdoor operation.
I have no personal experience of this but I am aware that Peco made, and probably still do, an adaptor to fit LGB motors to their own points. I can't imagine them doing this if their own point motors were suitable for all applications.

 

[Wobbleboxer]

I'm not sure Peco motors are suitable for outdoors. I use Peco track and have been thinking about motorising the points and was looking at the LGB route rather than Peco. Have used Peco indoors for many years but I don't think they are weatherproof.

Shame, cos they cost a darn sight less than LGB, so if you do work out a solution please share it. Maybe a trackside hut could do the job.

 

[Gizzy]

Also Steve, if you use the LGB motor, the cheapest way of switching the points instead of buying the LGB unit, is these;

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=GM511&style=main&strType=g

Note that although an AC power supply is used for powering LGB point motors, they are actually DC, hence the diodes (and instructions) supplied with these switches.

The LGB ones are not solenoids, but actually motors which rotate 180 degrees on a rack and pinion mechanism....

 

[Steveford666]

LGB seem to have the answer. But what a cost. maybe later as it will give a better look. But I thought of these from Maplin.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module?ModuleNo=97341

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module?moduleno=97345

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search?criteria=stepper motor&menu=-2

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module?ModuleNo=11948

I am thinking now of having the points operated by reed switches and transisters with a magnet on the loco operating the switches. Over-riding switches will have to be available.

The good thing of using a motor is that it can be made to turn slowly. I am using U,S. swivelling signals or semaphores. When the road is set up they clear.

When I get round to all the planning and building, I will put photos on.

 

[whatlep]

I'm not sure Peco motors are suitable for outdoors. I use Peco track and have been thinking about motorising the points and was looking at the LGB route rather than Peco. Have used Peco indoors for many years but I don't think they are weatherproof.

Don't even think about it! All the metal used on Peco points will rust as rapidly as it can when exposed to moisture, even indoors (ask me how I know....)