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Elevated Switches A Problem?
Daniel models O scale and asks readers:
“Have installed an elevated line using 111 Trestles. I want to add an additional loop using a pair of 022 switches. Has anyone done this? I expect supporting the switch motor would be tough. Any suggestions would be welcomed.”
7 Responses to Elevated Switches A Problem?
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The O22 turnout’s motor is pretty heavy. Best approach would be to support the whole switch on a wooden support disguised as either a berm or concrete structure. The motor itself could be covered with a small building of some kind.
Hope this helps.
Daniel, If you are running that much upper level on the trestle pieces then you probably need a wood base under the track anyway. I would use the trestle stands to support it them mount your track to that and enough plywood and supports under your switch. Most real trains do not hang on poorly supported track. and Neither should you do it in model railroading. So get you some support for your trains from Newman Atkinson
If you use “push-pull” switch motors make use of a series of cranks, rods and links (what RC aircraft modelers use) and place your switch motor where it suits you best.
To Newman,
My elevated line is on trestles in plywood. They are well supported and secure. My question was more about supporting and hiding the motor piece. Matt’s suggestions are along the lines that I was considering. I can figure out the support, but needed ideas on the camouflage.
Thanks for everyone’s responses. If there are others , I will appreciate it.
Dan
Trees, billboards, store fronts, trucks, business signs, bulidings and how you paint the switch motors will all hide these motors. Make sure you can remove these hiding devices in case you need to do repairs or replacement.
I model in HO scale so I am not familiar with O scale turnouts and motors. If you can reach the locations of your turnouts, could you use manual ground throw type switch stands? You did not state the height of the elevated track. On a previous layout I placed a portion of my elevated track on a berm modeled after the the Union Pacific’s Dodge Street cutoff west of Omaha. You could hide your under track motor inside this type of berm or under the table with a long control rod through the berm.
The plywood under the track and switch is the best idea.
However, if you just use the 111 Trestles, support the switch motor with a column, or pillar of some kind. Then disguise the pillar with a large tree, or the front of a building.