Manual

If i did it over everything would be manual.  I put in a lot of switch machines and detection for the dispatcher and he has not shown up yet. The guys want to run trains.  Not be the dispatcher and through switches form the other room.  So any thing that allows the operator to do it all is the best way for me now. Yes you can through my switches form the controller. NCE system. But why do that if it is not going any father . manual will work.

I Like it!

I am planning to use a similar pushrod arrangement but I was having trouble finding a way to connect the pushrods to my wood knobs. Answer: Threaded Rods and Threaded knobs!

And I like the rivet idea too!   'Gonna steal this.

Thanks For Sharing!

Nice solution

I am browsing for ideas for my new HOn3 layout, and want to maintain manual control of my turnouts. I have successfully used Caboose on-table switch machines, but don't want to do that again...the reaching over the layout sometimes causes minor problems. Visitors are reluctant to do that, also, when operating trains.

This is a neat solution, the lock hung over the knob when the switch is in the default position is a great idea. Only one problem I can think of, there may be cases where the default position of the turnout would be with the knob in the forward position, against the fascia. Guess that's not really a problem, it seems 'reversing' that somehow would be a mechanical hassle. I am not familiar with the Blue Points, would it just be a matter of reversing the Blue Point mechanism under the layout so the orientation is correct?

timely tip!

I'm headed in a closely related direction, but have decided to include a more switchstand-like side-to-side mechanism rather than push-pull. 

But this video made me think about my locking approach. I had planned to include a small padlock on a chain to secure the switch stand lever in the lined position (with the key on another chain). But now I'm wondering if I really need the lock - a bolt on a chain would serve to represent the required actions without the finicky manipulations of a small luggage-size lock and key. 

Great ideas, thanks!

Jeff Allen

Manual Turnout Control

My operating experience also says go with manual turnout controls. The simplest is Peco turnouts with built in spring which require no external control device.

"Guess that's not really a

 Hi Verne, They make bell cranks to reverse blue point throw rod direction or one can run a cable beyond them then bend it back 180 degrees to reverse the throw. The Blue points are reversible so the throw is on the right or the left side but when you push the rod the above layout point connection  wire comes forward either way. They are a nice compact piece of hardware and pretty easy to mount after you do a couple. I just reach under my small N layout and throw them by their toggle instead of adding control rods....DaveB 

Manual Turnout Control

  I recess the entire knob into the fascia so that clothes do not catch on them.  A 1.5" diameter 'hole' saw can be used to cut the fascia opening.  I back this up with 3/4" plywood to create 'depth'(also cut to the 1.5" hole).  Some more 1/8" Masonite behind that with the actual hole for the choke cable.  I also have the 'pushed in' position lined for the through mainline route.  If the knob is sticking out, it means that a turnout was not left 'lined & locked' for the main track.  My knobs are red for main track turnouts, and yellow for turnouts not on the mail line. This makes it easy for an operator to visually make a fast check of the turnouts as he/she arrives in a town,

Jim

My way for controls

Her is the way that I will be doing my turnout controls.

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/simple-switch-control-12197663

Boxcar_will

Glad this was useful

I am so happy to share this idea and it has helped.  Sharing ideas is what this hobby is about and I will pass this feedback on to Robert.