THROWBAR HELP
NOTE: ALL THE PARTS ON THIS PAGE ARE SUITABLE FOR HO OR PROTO:87 USE
The new Ultimate MK II Switch Rods come with an optional second dummy throw bar to allow you to exactly simulate the prototype dual rod appearance. In addition, this second bar performs the new function of keeping the open switch rail pressed firmly against the operating throw bar, thus allowing the bars to be used with any type of switch rails. - hinged (loose heels) or flexible (continuous).
The new rods now come in multiple sizes for different gauges:-
SWRDH for HO and PROTO:87
SWRDN for HOn3
SWRDM for HOm
SWRDT for HOn2.5
In addition, the fret parts can be used for "N" and "FiNe", with a little extra adjustment.
Please call or email for advice.
The picture shows the fret for the SWRDH on the left and the fret for SWRDN, etc., on the right.
The Mk II kit parts comprise:
An appropriate size fret containg 4 sets of double bar divided rods.
6 precision pre-drilled insulating bars.
To use the optional second
rod as per the prototype, two of the pre-drilled insulated bars should
be cut in half, to make four half length bars.
Note that there are now 8
holes in the full length plastic bars. When the rod is used full
length, only the 4 holes adjacent to one end should used. The metal bars can be
removed from the fret merely by bending them off. The tabs will
snap away without the need for additional filing or clean up.
Assemble the metal rods
onto the plastic bars by adding a tiny amount of ACC or epoxy to the
appropriate holes, then press the rods fully home with grips (pliers)
using a crimping action between the jaws to clamp the rods down against the bottom of the bars.
Use the plain end bars for the operating rod and the hook end bars for
the dummy rod. Wait for the glue to cure before proceeding.
If you are using the option
dummy rod to operate loose heel switch rails, then it is necessary to
drill a small hole (#75 drill) in the base of each switch rail
centrally between the dummy rod ties. A Dremel is ideal for this task
and the hole should be drilled as close to the rail web as possible.
Use proper safety eye protection whenever drilling. The dummy bar can
be dropped in to place with the switch rails held apart. Then the hooks will snap into the holes, if they are eased carefully over the
rail bases as the switch rails are moved back together.
Here we see the assembled
switch rods in place between the switch ties. The hooks hide the drilled
holes completely. This example is an original style Micro
Engineering
Switch, but most good quality RTR and hand laid switches can be used
just as easily.
The width of the plastic
bar is a smooth sliding fit between the blade
ties. Note that the plastic bar is only half the height of a
standard
plastic tie, leaving space to glue a single cosmetic layer of ballast.
One of the spare holes in the operating bar can be used for the
operating wire coming from a switch machine or hand throw.
Or drill a new hole if more convenient.
For an even better
appearance,
cut small strips from the self-adhesive paper label material provided
and press them down over the insulating gaps. These both hide the gaps,
and also simulate the central bolted joiner strips on many real
protoype rods.
Color the paper and the
rods a
suitable dark grey or brown as per your prototype. We have deliberately
left our rods plain in this instance, so they show up in the picture
Finally add the layer of
ballast to hide the supporting insulating bars. The switch rails have
been left uncolored
for contrast.
These
operating rod kits are
intended for use with our own switch kits, upgrading good quality RTR
switches,
or for handlaid switches. With a little care and adjustment, they
can usually even be added to greatly improve existing laid
switches.
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