Switch groundthrow

SW6 BR RH

SW4 NG BR RH

SW 4 CRV SS LH

SW DG TRA

 AC3 BR

 AC45 BR

SW GT

SW6 NG BR RH

SW10 BR RH

SW8 BR RH

Sunset Valley Railroad

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)

SW 4 BR WYE

SW3 NG BR LH

Switch Groundthrow

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!

Ordering

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.

Switches

Please click on the General tab for full information on the types of switch

 Switches and Angle crossings 

Switch technical specifications