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Weatherproofing Switch Machines
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Author:  paulrace [ Wed May 27, 2015 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Weatherproofing Switch Machines

A reader asks how.

----------Our Reply (which wasn't exactly brilliant, so log in and add your own)-----------

Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry I'm so slow getting back to you - I got seriously snowed under with reader questions at Christmas and am still catching up.

Have you had problems with premature breakdown of switch machines? I wouldn't be surprised - the engineering behind most of them never exactly impressed me.

In fact, used to use LGB switch machines on my Aristo turnouts - the Aristo switch machines didn't have the "umph" they needed. :-( I've seen where folks used TWO aristo machines per turnout, on either side of the switch, one to push and one to pull.

Nowadays, I REALLY cheat and use turnouts only where I can easily reach them and throw them manually. Even with the LGB machines, it was coming down to "throw the switch, move the points" every time anyway.

When I had switch machines on my rr, I left them out all winter long and never had any real problems except for the weak operation. Of course I made sure I always had good drainage around them so they were never standing in water.

The piko #35271 is advertised as weatherproof, but I haven't used one yet, so I can't know for sure.

I have to confess, I miss my old American Flyer turnouts. Yes, if you ran the engine in when the switch was thrown the wrong way, it would fly of the track, but when the switch was thrown, it was THROWN. :-)

Sorry I can't be more specific. I'll post this on the forum and see if anyone else has a suggestion.

- Paul

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