has extensively written about adding locking covers to switches
and other controls. More information is available on his website
at
and in back issues of MRH.
Locks for manual turnouts requires a bit of planning. If you’re
using under-table devices that utilize a push-pull rod to acti-
vate, such as the BluePoint or Bullfrog controllers, it’s easy to
add padlocks to the control rod. Padlock eyes or hasps can be
connected between the handle and the fascia. A padlock is
then used between the two, preventing the control rod from
being moved unless it’s first unlocked.
If you’re using over-table devices, such as Caboose Industries
ground throws or the snap-action spring built into Peco and
Micro Engineering turnouts, then you’ll have to prevent the
turnout from being thrown manually. On my own layout I use
ME Code 70 turnouts and rely on their over-center spring for
control, throwing the turnouts with an uncoupling pick or my
7
7: James combined readily available items into a
custom solution to adding equipment locks on his
layout.
