Turnout Controls

Having spent a little time running trains on the layout with the wireless and handheld "cabs", I've found the "far" side of the layout to be a better location than the original DC control panel side!  And, there are only three turnouts that cannot be reached easily for throwing them manually -- just like the prototypes of 1956 or so, maual operation, that is.  Rather than mess with electrical connections, I decided to try out some of the mechanical devices called Bullfrogs.  The plan is to use only one "knob" to activate the two controls that create the single crossover.  After ordering the parts from Fast Tracks and assembling the devices, I find that Fast Tracks actually offers single crossover devices as a kit.  Oh well. . . .

These are really nicely designed kits using laser cut wood.  The controls and support come something like this:

Partway through assembly, they look like this:

Some of the controller parts -- including SPDT switch if needed

Parts for Support

The completed devices look like this:

These are right-hand controllers and I made one more support and a left-hand controller.  Or, these are left-hand controllers and I made one more right-hand controller.  The devices assemble fairly easily with white glue.  The only downside is that you keep smelling scorched wood!?!?!

The control rods are long (18 or 36") tubes within a tube.  I'll wait until I can install these on the layout to cut the tubes to length