BullFrog Turnout Control or?

ReardanMetal Jun 28, 2020

  1. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    That is my question. Are there any mechanical under-bench turnout controls to consider other than Bullfrogs?

    I like the idea of mechanical controls for my small layout. I like the way the Bullfrogs appear to function with one exception, the pull-handle looks cheesy and delicate. But I think there is a solution for that somewhere on the internet; a lever of some sort that looks more trainy...

    And I like pictures and links if anybody has a home-fabricated solution . ..
     
  2. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    Shouldn't it be Rearden, as in Atlas Shrugged ??
     
  3. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    That would be too dangerous at this point in history.
     
  4. gmorider

    gmorider TrainBoard Member

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    I think there should be a solution online for you. I will check "The Archive" for you for an old article. Give me a little time on this. You may come up with a design on your own as well after getting some ideas.
     
    ReardanMetal likes this.
  5. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Sent you a PM,

    Sumner
     
  6. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    you can buy a train lever that goes on the side of your fascia from hump yard purveyance .... it's similar to those that go on top of the layout right next to the turnout humpyardpurveyance_allscales_leverktis_01.jpg ...
    i just used the caboose industries ones that go right beside the turnout on top
     
  7. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    That definitely looks like an option, but I cannot find Hump Yard Purveyance. Do you have a web address?
     
  8. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    web address used to be humpyard.com, but i haven't checked it for a few years.. today it seems like it's down..
     
  9. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    From posts on other sites it looks like it has been permanently down for some time
    :(
    [​IMG]

    Interesting item. I'd be interested to know if the small handle actually locks the main lever. If so does it only lock it in the extreme throw position either way or will it lock it at any point on the throw.

    Sumner
     
  10. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    I don't have those, but from the look of it, it doesn't lock anything, it's just there for looks, lol
     
    Sumner likes this.
  11. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    I'm gonna hazard a guess that the little black slider in the track bed on my Unitrack switches does not qualify for what you want...
     
  12. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    ya, sorry. no.
     
  13. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    What about the ground throws from Caboose Industries? They are a lot stronger than they look and will work with cables or piano wire.
     
  14. Robert1950

    Robert1950 New Member

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    I also wanted manual turnout control that included some mechanism at the fascia to throw the turnout and also power the frog. I found an article that described a method using wall light switches and a simple linkage. The best part is that the switch, box and control rod is very inexpensive. Mounting wasn't too difficult and they have been performing reliably. I've included a link to the article

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/h6bo8ql05gzejse/TurnoutControl.pdf?dl=0
     

    Attached Files:

  15. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    That is actually pretty ingenuitive and probably the most durable of switching machines. It takes a lot of space though, and is as ugly as the turtle, or tortoise, or whatever its called.

    Thanks Robert.
     
  16. jhn_plsn

    jhn_plsn TrainBoard Supporter

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    [​IMG]


    I like these Blue Point Controllers. These are small and adjustable. The big advantage they have over the Bullfrog is the shot throw at the fascia control.
     
  17. ReardanMetal

    ReardanMetal TrainBoard Member

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    Okay. So I bought one bullfrog control just so I could see if I liked it before I bought 15 and installed them.

    I built it and set it on my desk less than a week ago. I occasionally pick it up and click it back and forth. Less than a week later, it has completely failed. The ballbearing-spring lock has all but seized.

    Back to the drawing board . ..

     
  18. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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