well, if you want it reliable as possible - go epl.
magnets under the locos, that trigger reed contacts.
magnets under the locos, that trigger reed contacts.
What's The Point?
- Thread starter G-force1
- Start date
hmmm. Had thought of that, but then visiting locos will also need magnets. also thought to put the magnet under the first wagon instead but the rake gets reversed every lap (balloon loop), so perhaps under the centre wagon.
There may be another way, but it means major track upheaval and possibly a shorter (not quite so desirable) passing loop.
If you look carefully you can see the existing linkage between the points, from when the track was under construction. It is the further set that need to be re-set when a train passes the nearest set on its return down the right-hand track. The near point is sprung to the left.
There may be another way, but it means major track upheaval and possibly a shorter (not quite so desirable) passing loop.
If you look carefully you can see the existing linkage between the points, from when the track was under construction. It is the further set that need to be re-set when a train passes the nearest set on its return down the right-hand track. The near point is sprung to the left.
Could you not use sprung points at both ends??
A train going 'up' the photo goes straight on, and pushes through at the far end..
A train going 'down' the photo diverges into the loop, and then pushes through as it exits at the bottom..
<edit>
Or the other way round?? - Depends which way (or both ways) from the route which diverges off the loop..
A train going 'up' the photo goes straight on, and pushes through at the far end..
A train going 'down' the photo diverges into the loop, and then pushes through as it exits at the bottom..
<edit>
Or the other way round?? - Depends which way (or both ways) from the route which diverges off the loop..
The running sequence is, the first train runs up the left track of the passing-loop, and returns round the balloon loop, through the second set of points at the front of the loop (leaving them trailed). The second train, unable to access the passing loop must circuit the balloon and return down the right side of the passing loop. ATM, passing through the entry set (already sprung left) re-sets the balloon loop point back to the passing loop. I just want to improve the reliability of the operation by electrifying it.
Over-night thoughts (often the best, especially around 03.00am) suggest a micro switch on the end of the point tie-bar.
Over-night thoughts (often the best, especially around 03.00am) suggest a micro switch on the end of the point tie-bar.
Someone will have to jump in, if this is possible??
How about a manual point switch (possibly with spring removed?) - would the aux. switch you can fit to the motors fit on one of these??
Just thinking it might be more weather-resistant..
How about a manual point switch (possibly with spring removed?) - would the aux. switch you can fit to the motors fit on one of these??
Just thinking it might be more weather-resistant..
My thoughts are entirely electro-mechanical. There may well be a better electronic solution beyond my ken.
I had thought about keeping the water and bugs out, and could easily build a small box to contain the workings with a push-rod through the side.
I guess you're thinking LGB parts and the question has been asked before will the manual switch fit the PL8 needed for Peco (or make your own I suppose)
I had thought about keeping the water and bugs out, and could easily build a small box to contain the workings with a push-rod through the side.
I guess you're thinking LGB parts and the question has been asked before will the manual switch fit the PL8 needed for Peco (or make your own I suppose)
Further thoughts suggest that the micro switch contact time would probably be too short to allow the point motor to fire.
Moving over to Korm's beam idea, that would work if it was moved up into the loop, away from the point. Otherwise it would be fired by trains in both directions.
Moving over to Korm's beam idea, that would work if it was moved up into the loop, away from the point. Otherwise it would be fired by trains in both directions.
I see lots of 'Id. 10t' faults, where computer users are concerned!
(That is how 'user-ignorance' faults were logged)..
(That is how 'user-ignorance' faults were logged)..