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 21:49:28 GMT
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Viewed:
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980 times
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In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Reynolds writes:
> 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.
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
> Providing a simple fixing can be effected I cannot see why a Lego railway
> builder (as opposed to a M/B collector) would object to using them.
Jon
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: Remote Points
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| (...) 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 (...) (25 years ago, 2-Mar-00, to lugnet.trains)
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