Subject:
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Re: motorized switching rails
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Wed, 15 Sep 1999 14:04:45 GMT
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Reply-To:
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lpieniazek@novera.STOPSPAMcom
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Viewed:
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966 times
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GMLTC has pneumo switch throws. They worked in the lab but haven't yet
been proven at a show. The air lines are (gasp) non LEGO aquarium
tubing...
If you go to one of the many GMLTC teasers (there must be 4, including
mine, the semiofficial standing and the Demlow and Foster sites) and
assidiously root around through the pictures, you will find some
pictures. the actual mechanism is stunningly simple... just a small
pneumo cylinder mounted at a vertical angle. The angle is to ensure that
the range of motion is just the right amount.
The whole lashup is powered by a large 4 cylinder compressor.
Now, you say, that's not enough pressure. GMLTC cheated... they did NOT
modify the switches. However, the range of motion of the cylinder is
such that it moves the switch through the loose part!!! the switch
internal mechanism "locks down" at the very end of ITS range. If you
stay within the center of ITS range, you avoid lockdown. The ends, just
before lockdown do move the points far enough. Thus a small actuator and
low pressure are sufficient to work the switch.
Another neat trick is that the turnout switches are color coded with
small bricks placed on the stands, and technic beams are used in the
module side fascia to let the tubing out. The beams are color coded to
match the switches so you know which lever throws which turnout.
--
Larry Pieniazek larryp@novera.com http://my.voyager.net/lar
- - - Web Application Integration! http://www.novera.com
fund Lugnet(tm): http://www.ebates.com/ Member ref: lar, 1/2 $$ to
lugnet.
NOTE: I have left CTP, effective 18 June 99, and my CTP email
will not work after then. Please switch to my Novera ID.
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: motorized switching rails
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| (...) And in all these years of discussion about switch powering and modifications nobody ever noticed this before? I'm amazed... (I don't own any 9V trains myself, just 4.5V. Those switches are easy to control, apart from the difficulty of making a (...) (25 years ago, 15-Sep-99, to lugnet.trains)
| | | Re: motorized switching rails
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| I would love to see instructions or pictures of this device. I suppose I could tinker around with the idea on my own as well. John Matthews Larry Pieniazek <lar@voyager.net> wrote in message news:37DFA77D.E5BD4E...ger.net... (...) (25 years ago, 16-Sep-99, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: motorized switching rails
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| The motorized switches I made are very similar to the ones at (URL) fact I refer to them on my site. (URL) must add that the motorized points are somewhat unsatisfying. You must pay careful attention to the point and turn of the motor at the (...) (25 years ago, 15-Sep-99, to lugnet.trains)
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