Question re Aristo manual point switches......

[Zerogee]

1) Anyone know if you can easily (ie" from a UK stockist) buy Aristocraft MANUAL point switches ("switches" in the UK sense, NOT the US one - ie: I mean the control levers, not the points themselves!)?
2) can said Aristo point switches be fitted to other makes of points, eg: LGB, Piko, TL45 etc?

The reason for the question is that after seeing some Aristo switches in operation at Stuart's running day today, they seem so much nicer and more positive in their throw that any other makes, I was wondering about the possibility of retrofitting them to some points of various other brands.

Jon.

 

[Tim Brien]

Jon,
as an LGB switch machine is basically a direct install on an Aristo switch then I cannot see why an interchange is not feasible. Contact me by private messaging please.

 

[chris m01]

My standard set up is Aristo point with LGB motor. It is a direct fit and I have nefver had any isues with this arrangement.

This is how it looks

 

[Tim Brien]

Jon,
there are two types of manual switch that I know of. The later type is as shown on the right. The later type has shorter mount legs that slide inside the hollow LGB sleeper and an 'adjustable' pin mount for the throwbar connection. The Aristo sleeper mount legs also have a measure of adjustment. This allows a measure of switch 'throw' for adjusting/finetuning the switch. Legs align with a LGB R1 manual switch mount so install should be simple screw install. The Aristo mount legs may need fine sanding to fit inside the hollow LGB sleeper (just a guess).

The earlier type mount (left side of photograph) has the longer mount legs and a 'fixed' screw type connection to the throwbar. No adjustment other than possibly oversizing the stock mount screw holes in the LGB sleeper. The throws on both Aristo and LGB switches are basically the same so no adjustment is really necessary.

 

[dunnyrail]

On my indoor station I used all manual Point Levers. I personally preferred the LGB ones, however, I was one short for the layout and fitted an Aristo that I acquired from who knows where. It worked just fine and I have to say that I rather liked the very positive throw, switch and lamp layouts that gave good visual indication of how the point was set.
JonD

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Jon
As Tim says they are a straight swap and work well. Apparently they are not so weatherproofed as LGB but mine have been out for 6 hyears and still 'throw' fine.
There is one caveat...it has been said some locos can 'clip the throw lever of the aristo mechanism. I do not think that any LGB locos do this, only the more detailed Fn3 jobbies and possibly a large USA trains loco with extensive undergear and hang over. I have not noticed this on my layout yet.
As to any available...I will check me parts bin..........

 

[Tim Brien]

Before converting to LGB electric switch machines I had no issue with the Aristo regarding weather resistance, although I believe there was a problem with the internal spring corroding.

As regards interference with locomotives, there is an issue with wide rolling stock (Aristo snow plow gondola) or locomotive plows (Bachmann Connie especially)particularly if the equipment is diverging from the straight path of the switch. I very much doubt that any LGB equipment would foul the throw lever.

I very much doubt that the manual switch mechanism would be available as a spare part and thus any available units would only be from those who have converted Aristo manual switches to electric operation.

 

[bazzer42]

I've got a mixture of lgb and aristocraft and have only had clipping problems where I've got an R1 curve leading into the point. Just use the longer legs but don't know if they come with a switch or whether they are another accessory. I'm so stingy all my points are s.hand!

 

[Zerogee]

Thanks to all of you who responded, especially Tim and Mike for very useful info.
Mike - if you have any spare Aristo units, even just one or two, I'd be happy to buy them from you to try out on various makes of points and see how they work!

As I use ALMOST all LGB stock (and all Euro at that), hopefully I shouldn't have any clearance problems - but once I've got one of the units I can check that anyway.

Jon.

 

[Zerogee]

.................
I very much doubt that the manual switch mechanism would be available as a spare part and thus any available units would only be from those who have converted Aristo manual switches to electric operation.

They ARE listed as available separately, Tim - it's just a matter of finding some in stock somewhere......

Jon.

 

[beavercreek]

I will try to get one for you.
They are listed as in stock at Aristocraft and shipping will be low (they will sell parts direct to UK customers just not locos or rolling stock). So if you try one of mine then order from the States at $7.20 each . They usually charge me about $12 shipping for small items. When emailing ask for Navin.
Here is the part number and link
http://www.aristocraft.com/ART11297-MANUAL-SWITCH-MACHINE_p_404.html

 

[Zerogee]

Many thanks, Mike - if you've got a spare one to hand, I'd be happy to pop round and pick it up, even just on loan to test...?

Jon.

 

[ebay mike]

Jon. If you find they meet your requirements, how many do you want? I did the reverse and replaced mine with LGB units purely because I thought them rather ugly. I'm not sure where I put them but will have a search later. On a slightly different note I've now gathered together 3 boxes of Continental Modellers - there's probably a few more to locate. I forget there was so much interesting information in them that I'm slowly working my way through before I let them go. Had no takers for the Railway Modellers (ten boxes I think) so intend cutting out anything G scale related and putting the rest in the paper bank.

 

[Zerogee]

Just PM'd you, Mike (ebayMike)!

Jon.

 

[ntpntpntp]

... 3 boxes of Continental Modellers... intend cutting out anything G scale related and putting the rest in the paper bank.

It is of course sacrilegious to destroy CM Oct or Nov 1997 - my N gauge layout was in those issues

 

[yb281]

Our local GSS layout uses Aristo points and I must admit that I didn't used to be over impressed. The plastic section in the frogs is quite big which can be a problem with smaller track powered locos and we've had to ream some of the plastic out as they're a bit shallow for LGB and Bachmann wheel flanges, lifting the wheel rims off the rails and leading to more stalling problems. But then I did some work on a friends garden line fitted with these points and they do have some redeeming points (excuse the pun). The operating switches don't look great, but they are much more positive and reliable in operation compared to LGB etc. (you seldom have to move the point blades by hand to make sure they switch) and when I made a stupid wiring mistake and burnt out the point wiring, it was the easiest job in the world to re-wire it. Much better than the metal bus-bars that often have their soldered joints fail after some time in an outdoor environment.

 

[Zerogee]

Thanks all - Mel, I'm not considering using Aristo points themselves, I have plenty of LGB, Piko and TL45 - what I'm looking for is the Aristo switches, because I really like their positive and firm switching motion.
Since my earlier posts I've found a few from an online stockist (4 of them at just 6 quid a pop, which seems OK) which I've ordered to try out, and ebayMike is digging out a few second-hand ones for me too. Might still need a few more though if anyone else has some?

Jon.

 

[Gizzy]

I had a problem fitting a LGB motor to a (R2) TL45 point Jon?

Seems it needs a longer throw, although this may not be a problem with a manual ART lever.

I eventually resolved my TL45 point problem by purchasing a TL DCC motor from Glendale. It's all documented here from post #16....

http://www.gscalecentral.net/Trainline-Point-m225738

 

[ebay mike]

The CMs are safe - going to a good home FOC. Consequently your article will survive undamaged. No-one wanted the RMs and it is those that I intend to cull.

It is of course sacrilegious to destroy CM Oct or Nov 1997 - my N gauge layout was in those issues

 

[JRinTawa]

I have been gradually replacing the manual control on my Aristocraft points as the spring in the control rusts out, they only last about 3 years at the H&MGR before failing. In place I'm installing Tenmille ground throw levers, still haven't had them in place long enough to give a total recommendation, but I like them so far. No spring action and only just enough throw but they are another option.