Dan’s been back in touch, this time with some advice on HO scale switch throws:

“Al, I have been very busy with the Live Steamers and physical therapy for my back. A long process.

I saw the post about under the layout switch throws this morning.

Here is my adaption for the Caboose Industries switch throws.

I use various switches when I am building layouts for other folks. Mostly Atlas. I have Shinahora (SP?) switches on my layout. I use Caboose Industries switch throws.

The tiny pin that is to connect to the throw rod is not always reliable. My solution works all the time from nearly any distance.

I use a paper clip that I cut to the shape of an elongated “U.”

I use the #1 jumbo clips because they are durable. I nip off the pin on the underside of the throw. I drill a hole near the end of the throw that just fits the paper clip.

I do the same on the switch. I forget the drill size. These photos are 12 years old!

Another view. You can see how unobtrusive they are.

Once the cork road bed is in place I hollow out room for the paper clip throw rod to fit. Often I need a shim to hold the clip in place. This keeps the clip from dropping down. When in doubt, shim! Voice of experience.

I usually paint the clip. My layout is nearing 40 year of use without failures.

Take great care when finishing the ballasting to keep glue out of the area under the switch throw.

When every thing is done, sprinkle some ballast in the space for a finished look. DO NOT glue it down. I have never had a problem with the loose ballast.

I have mounted Caboose Industries switch throws more than 12″ away from the switch. (Under the layout staging.) Changing switch machines would be a nightmare for sure. My model railroad club uses this method exclusively.

I use the wire that utilities use to flag underground lines. It is stiff enough for that distance. When I had some work done at my house the man putting the flags in gave me a few.

I hope this helps.

Santa Fe Dan”

A big thanks to Dan for sharing his take on HO scale switch throws.

(Dan’s last post is here:Dual level HO scale layout.

Now on to Terry:

“Hi Al, this is Terry sending you a new addition to my Oil City HO scale railroad layout.

As you know, the Oil City Titusville area was where Oil was discovered. The railroads had a hard time keeping up with filling oil tankers on a daily basis.

Recently I had a chance to ride the Oil Creek Titusville Railroad. They had a restored Alco S-2 engine acquired from the Erie Western Railroad.

I got to ride in a 1929 passenger car from the Wabash cannonball.

Attached our photos first of the Titusville Railroad and then copies of my new addition.

Terry”

A big thanks to Dan and Terry.

That’s all for this time folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you blow the dust of your old locos and find some track too, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.