Lever Frame.....

I started another conversation about trying to build something that would 'kind of like' resemble a 'lever frame' on the site in the N scale section ( HERE ) but since I've decide to proceed with it I'll move it here as I'm 3D printing it and if it works I'll probably post the print files. There is more info there and pictures so if you are interested you might want to start there.

I started the design this morning with Fusion 360 and I see hope....



... parts will become smaller and hopefully more lever frame like. The scale is roughly 1/4" to the foot. The handle at the top is 1/8 welding rod equivalent to about 1 1/2" in real life. I don't have any real measurements to go on so just winging it.

Sumner

 

question could it be built better with a continuous loop with a small spring in the loop for tension. would this work a lil better . i know its more pulleys ect. i was just thinking about how the lever you have could be pulled all the way down , but i guess that defeats the lever of the old way of switching....im curios how your going to lock the lever in each spot.

 

Thanks for the input Sid.

The weight on the 'Gravity Switcher'....


(Equal weights are hung from both sides with a simple string. The one on the right will always pull the control rod down on that side since the lever arm to it is twice as long as the one to the weight on the left side.)

... holds the switch machine in one direction and keeps the points against the stock rail.

The spring on the 'Spring Switcher'....



... does the same. So I only need to hold the control line when it is pulled.



I'm working on something that is similar to how I do that with the 'Toggle Switcher' controller at the moment (see above). Printer is printing some parts now that I'll try out.

Sumner

 

looking forward to this project . looks very interesting .

 

Refined the lever frame...



Note: If link above doesn't work click ( HERE )

It is roughly built at a scale of 1"=1' and is not a copy of an actual lever frame that is or has been in existence. I'll be adding electrical contacts that could control LEDs and possibly also servo operated switch machines.

I'm happy with it to the point that won't spend anymore time on it now. I'll try and get the print files up soon with other documentation about building it and installing it.

Sumner

 

nice . would look real nice in a gang of them too...

 

Thanks guys. I got inspiration from ( HERE ) and modeled the upper fixture that the release rod pivots on ....



... from the picture above. I also printed it separately and actually got it where it will pivot but not actually pull the release rod up and down. The rod would be in two parts. The hand lever and bracket would move and the lower rod would be fixed. Problem is that the part is so small and delicate I don't think it is practical.

I'd like to use a number of them ganged together for the main yard ....



.... but will have to see if I even make it to getting the main yard done or partially done (lots to do before that). They would go on both sides of the yard panel show above in the mock up. The panel would have indicator LEDs on it but that would be all.

I Do have 2 side covers printed that would go on the end of the ganged levers so Sid hope to see that and might print a couple more soon and see what it looks like. They stick out about 3 1/2" when the lever is in the 'out position' so don't want to use them other places where I might snag them walking around (did that with one of the test ones). The main yard area has a lot of clearance there so no need to walk right next to the layout.

Sumner

 

A couple still photos....





... I'll try and get a page or two up on my site soon with more info about it and then Sid can print a bunch for us and take pictures .

On the picture above down in the right-hand corner of the top is a square where one could put the number that associates the lever with the switch it controls. I also plan to have, as an option, on the top back against the fascia a small panel that can be added that would show the turnout it controls with a LED for each possible route (RH/LH up or down divergent route).

Sumner

 

these look just awesome .maybe in future builds i can or might use some but for now i pretty happy with my DR4018 controller.
Wouldn't be cool if these were set into a building like in the photo above. i have no idea how one would get there fingers in there to switch them , but man that would be sweet . pretty darn realistic.
sumner that really does look good in that last photo.
Thanks for sharing......