N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Adrian on March 17, 2015, 08:51:02 PM

Title: Blue Point manual controllers
Post by: Adrian on March 17, 2015, 08:51:02 PM
I wonder if a colleague on the forum, who uses these turnout controllers, could answer a question for me please?

Does the switching mechanism contain a latching function ie when the lever is pulled/pushed and the vertical spring wire moves the tiebar, is the lateral pressure on the point blade sustained?

I am currently building a few PCB based points which need to be held in position when actuated and so a latching feature would be a big attraction to me.

Thanks for your insight

Adrian
Title: Re: Blue Point manual controllers
Post by: Malc on March 17, 2015, 10:17:44 PM
I think I know what you mean. Generally those type of levers have a fleeting contact. Ie when you move the lever up, there is a contact just before the limit of travel that the wiper arm passes. So there is only a momentary pulse of power.
Title: Re: Blue Point manual controllers
Post by: geoffc on March 19, 2015, 08:47:08 PM
I have one in front of me and there is very little play in the actuating arm, the tension on the operating wire is adjustable.
See http://www.micromark.com/blue-point-switch-machine-turnout-controller-10-pack,8537.html (http://www.micromark.com/blue-point-switch-machine-turnout-controller-10-pack,8537.html) for full details.
ps I have four surplus to requirements.

Geoff