One advantage of using motors (solenoids), is that a switch can be fixed to the point such that electrical circuit connections can be changed as the point is switched. This can be used to switch the point ‘frog’, instead of relying on the moving blades of the point, or to switch various track connections.
However, if the point rod is connected to a slide switch, then both point movement and electrical switching can also be achieved simultaneously.
THE METHOD This uses a small diameter brass rod to connect the point to the switch by drilling a small hole in the switch plastic activator. To match the movement of the rod to that required by the point, two short brass tubes (referred to as collets) are soldered onto the rod, one each side of the switch activator. When the switch is thrown, the rod doesn’t move until the activator touches the collet.
ASSEMBLY Slide on the inner collet, and pass the rod though the hole in the switch plastic actuator. Slide the tube over the rod, sufficient to reach the track. Pass the rod under track-work as required, and bend the end of the rod upwards so that it just passes through the hole in the point actuator (Pico). Slide on the outer collet. The rod needs to be perpendicular to the point actuator, and this method tolerates angles of up to 20 degrees, providing that a rigid metal tube is used, suitably bent.
SETTING UP Set the Point away from the Switch. Throw the Switch towards the Point. Slide the inner Collet up to the Switch activator, and solder onto the rod. Set the Point and Switch in the opposite position. Slide the outer Collet up to the Switch activator, and solder onto the rod. Cut the excess rod away. Wire up the switch.
2. Manual Operation of Points
Instead of using Point Motors to switch points, small rods can be used, encased within metal or plastic sleeves.
