Subject:
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Re: Remote Points
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Thu, 2 Mar 2000 21:45:24 GMT
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Viewed:
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962 times
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In lugnet.trains, Ludo Soete writes:
> In lugnet.trains, Mike Poindexter writes:
> > I have seen numerous ideas for remote operating switches (points) and they
> > all look like they try to tackle the problem from the same place, the top.
> > Why wouldn't it be possible to crack open the bottom of the switch, file
> > down the bumps on the switch that make it hard to move from one position to
> > another, and then attach (glue, screw, tattoo) a control to that piece of
> > plastic. The entire assembly could then sit UNDER the switch. This would
> > have a couple advantages:
> >
> > #1 - no visible housing would be required at each point, which looks kind of
> > silly in a train yard.
>
> You are right abouth that, but don't forget that this has big consequenses for
> the lay-out. You can't remove the point and place it on another location !
> Once the lay-out is build, you have to keep it that way, or you have to fill
> the holes in your table.
>
> regards,
> Ludo
The issue of remote control to Lego points has become a big issue - on the
basis that no one has yet come up with a truly economical (and reliable over
distances) approach, bearing in mind the large numbers of points on mosty
layouts, I think that the use of NON-LEGO parts should be considered more
seriously.
Before anyone chokes on their KFC, just look at the way that the more complex
lego sets draw positively on non-lego elements. Take Mindstorms for example,
you need a pc but TLC don't make these (at least not yet) and what about the
supply of batteries? From the postings I have read it is quite apparent that
several train-heads are using DCC and/or PWM controllers, again non-Lego. I
may be stretching a point (excuse the pun) but there are some very good
solutions out there using commercial model railway point motors fixed directly
underneath the point itself.
One such motor is made by PECO and is a solenoid type operating on 12-16v AC
linked to the tie-bar directly (Tie bar = bar connecting the two moving blades
but only one on 9v points of course) from underneath. As Ludo says it's a bit
of a permanent fix but there are methods available to surface-mount these
motors - not my preference because the non-Lego parts sit there staring you in
the face!
I picked up a handful of these motors (new) at a boot sale for UK£1 each.
Wiring and power supply should be easily and cheaply provided.
Apart from the cost, just look at the advanyages;
1. Proven reliable operation
2.
Providing a simple fixing can be effected I cnot see why a Lego railway
builder (as opposed to a M/B collector) would objection to using them
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Remote Points
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| (...) for (...) SORRY - FINGERS SLIPPED AND OFF IT WENT! 2. Pulse operation means faster control from many locations 3. (most important) Frees up lego motors/parts for more imaginative uses (...) Jon (25 years ago, 2-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Remote Points
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| (...) You are right abouth that, but don't forget that this has big consequenses for the lay-out. You can't remove the point and place it on another location ! Once the lay-out is build, you have to keep it that way, or you have to fill the holes in (...) (25 years ago, 2-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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