A crossover using 4 #6 switches and a #3 crossing (shown above). Total length 72", total width across ties 11.5", distance between centerlines 8.25" (8.0"ng)
A crossover using 4 #8 switches and a #4 crossing. Total length 93", total width across ties 11.5", distance between centerlines 8.25 (8.0"ng)
Our groundthrow changes the direction of the switch and locks the point blades firmly against the outside rails with a positive lock. It is n/c machined in brass and stainless steel for a precision movement and years of trouble free service.
SW GT $21.95
The travel on the throw can be altered by turning the adjustment screw on the crank. Sunset Valley switches have a 1/4" throw, other switches may differ. You should adjust the travel to be slightly more than the throw of the switch, so that the point blades push against the outer rails and hold tight against them at each end of the stroke.
Installation
Take a heavy paperclip, approximately 1 7/8" long (size not critical), bend it in stages as shown in the photo to the final shape. The length should be 2 3/8" long. Drill a .043" (#57) hole in the center of the circular dimple next to the oval hole in the switch throwbar. Push the paperclip ends in the throwbar hole and the groundthrow adjustment screw. With the switch point rails firmly against the RH stock rail, position the groundthrow on the headstock ties, mark the 4 holes and drill through with a .073" (#49) drill. Screw the groundthrow to the ties with 2-56 x 3/8" screws. Check that the groundthrow correctly throws the switch. The travel is altered by the adjustment screw, make sure there is some over travel at each end. The paperclip loop takes up the tension to ensure a positive force.
We also make a complete line of pneumatic actuators, see pneumatics page
(Please note we have discontinued making the switchstands)
Please scroll to bottom of page for pictures!
Switches come with 3 railjoiners per switch. Replace the XX in the codes below by the material type, BR for brass, NS for Nickel Silver and SS for stainless. Then add LH or RH at the end for left or right hand. E.g. an SW 6 NG SS RH is a #6 switch, narrow gauge, stainless steel, right hand. The only difference between a mainline and a narrow gauge switch is the tie width and spacing, the rails and track gauge are exactly the same. The ties correspond to 1:32 or 1:20.3 scale respectively.
Please click on the General tab for full information on the types of switch
Switch description | Code | Brass | Ni-Silver | Stainless |
Mainline curve #4. 40/90" radius. 45mm (brass LH not available) | SW 4 CRV XX | $118.00 | n/a | $129.00 |
Mainline small WYE #4. 90" radius. 45mm | SW 4 WYE XX | n/a | $106.90 | $97.50 |
Mainline large WYE. #6 158" radius.45mm | SW 6 WYE XX | n/a | $128.95 | $118.50 |
Mainline #6. 90" radius.45mm | SW 6 XX | $111.50 | $128.95 | n/a |
Mainline #8. 158" radius. 45mm | SW 8 XX | $166.50 | $189.95 | $175.50 |
Mainline #10. 247" radius. 45mm | SW 10 XX | $180.00 | $207.95 | n/a |
Narrow gauge #3. 24" radius. 45mm | SW 3 NG XX | $92.50 | n/a | n/a |
Narrow gauge #4. 40" radius. 45mm | SW 4 NG XX | $92.50 | $106.90 | $97.50 |
Narrow gauge curve #4. 40/90" radius. 45mm ( brass LH not available) | SW 4 NG CRV XX | $118.00 | n/a | $129.00 |
Narrow gauge small WYE #4. 90" radius. 45mm | SW 4 NG WYE XX | $92.50 | $106.90 | $97.50 |
Narrow gauge #6. 90" radius. 45mm | SW 6 NG XX | $107.50 | $128.95 | $118.50 |
Narrow gauge #8. 158" radius. 45mm | SW 8 NG XX | $166.50 | $189.95 | $175.50 |
Mainline #8. 158" radius.45mm. Brass with stainless frog for extra high traffic usage | SW 8 BR SS Frog | $172.50 | ||
Dual gauge traverser, changes the O gauge from one side of the track to the other LH | SW DG TRA LH | $82.00 | ||
Dual gauge traverser, changes the O gauge from one side of the track to the other RH | SW DG TRA BR | $82.00 | ||
#4 angle crossing 45mm. Use with 4 SW 8 switches for a crossover | AC4 XX | $124.75 | ||
45 degree crossing 45mm. | AC45 XX | $164.00 | $168.00 |
Code | Frog | Angle | Radius | Length |
SW 3 | 3 | 18.4 deg (1 in 3) | 24" | 15" |
SW 4 | 4 | 14.0 deg (1 in 4) | 40" | 19" |
SW 4 WYE | 4 | 14.0 deg | 90" | 19" |
SW 4 CRV | 4 | 14.0 deg | 40/90" | 21" |
SW 6 | 6 | 9.5 deg (1 in 6) | 90" | 26" |
SW 6 WYE | 6 | 9.5 deg | 158" | 26" |
SW 8 | 8 | 7.1 deg (1 in 8) | 158" | 35" |
SW 10 | 10 | 5.7 deg (1 in 10) | 247" | 40" |
AC 3 | 3 | 18.4 deg | n/a | 20" |
AC 4 | 4 | 14.0 deg | n/a | 22" |
AC45 | 1 | 45 deg (1 in 1) | n/a | 14" |