I was fortunate to secure a supply of white-metal kits for CNR
switch stands with rotating targets and handles, once offered
in several scales by Alder Models, a Canadian company that
sadly no longer exists. For each switch on the layout, I mounted
an Alder Models stand on the head blocks and added a home-
made linkage to the head bar so that the target and handle
rotate as the points are thrown.
Locking the stands
As a final step, I wanted to be able to lock the switches in
their “normal” position – with the points aligned for the
main track. (As James McNab pointed out in his article in the
December, 2013 issue of
Model Railroad Hobbyist
, “Railroads
lock everything.”
.
The answer was surprisingly
simple. I found some cheap
($1.00 each) brass luggage
locks at a local hardware
store, all keyed the same.
While this would not provide
me with a great measure of
security on my luggage, it
made them perfect for my
layout. I also picked up some
hardware used for adding
keeper chains to jewelry box
lids, and some brass eye-
bolts. I mounted the keeper
chains on the fascia, then
determined where to place
the eyebolt on the front of
10
10. The inexpensive
luggage locks used to lock
up the railroad.
Realistic switch control - 6
the shelf, such that the lock would slip through and hold the
chain across the lever on the switch stand.
Doing real work
My working switch stands have been a hit with operators. They
do a great job of emulating the work involved in operating a
switch. Consequently, they also encourage operators to take
their time and think about what they are doing. Unlike push-
buttons or toggles, these make it impossible to quickly line a
route through town with a few finger flicks. Throwing a switch
takes time, so conductors quickly figure out how to do their
11
11. To help operators confirm that the turnouts have
been thrown, S scale switch stands with swivelling
targets are mounted to the head ties of each switch.
MRH-Aug 2014
