Mounted switchstand - one down.....

Here I have mounted one of the switch machines I made yesterday. The switch is mounted on a piece of expanded polystyrene insulation, cut 5 by 12 inches. This matches a 5 by 12 inch opening in the layout where the switch will go. Underneath the styrofoam, there is a small electric motor that will move the switch blades - the moveable tracks that route the train. Perhaps you can see the small brass wire between the switch throwbar (the end or points of the turnout are attached) and the switch stand. So - when I throw the electrical switch on the front of the layout, the switch points move and the switchstand harp moves as well to let me know which direction the train will go.

So - one down and only 17 more to go. The first four or five are fun, the rest ....well.....

All that is left before I install the turnout is to ballast it. That is placing scale rocks between the ties and glueing them down. Actually fun. This will hold the switch or turnout in place and look more real.

Some of the switchmachines will be diffierent as the Denver Rio Grande and Western used a different type that were also used in places on the RGS. I will try and make one of these for next time.