Points an intelligent newbie question

[david_denham]

What exactly do I need to purchase to change the points on a track without getting  and doing it manually 

inculding more then one set of points

Thank you for bearing with me 

[Chrissaf]

David, what brand are the points. We assume Hornby, but they might not be. Also, do you have under baseboard access or would the devices that throw your points have to be mounted on the baseboard surface.

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More importantly, is your track fixed down. If it is just loose laid, on a TrakMat for example, the points will not throw correctly.

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Have a look at this further information site.

[david_denham]

David, what brand are the points. We assume Hornby, but they might not be. Also, do you have under baseboard access or would the devices that throw your points have to be mounted on the baseboard surface.

.

More importantly, is your track fixed down. If it is just loose laid, on a TrakMat for example, the points will not throw correctly.

.

Have a look at this further information site.

Chris

well I was going to put track mat down but now you say that I will fix straight to base board. Would prefer surface but always open to persuation  can be under with no great diffuculty

As for make model will use what ever is best recommended

 

Thank you

Dave

[Chrissaf]

There is nothing to stop you using a TrakMat if you prefer. The track just needs to be fixed through it into the baseboard. Don't use a TrakMat myself, but presume it would be glued down first. If you do use a TrakMat, then you are going to be fairly well committed to using Hornby track. Without the TrakMat you can be a bit more flexible with the layout design you eventually go for.

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Your follow up reply gives the impression that you haven't yet bought the track. You could consider other brands. If you look back at the web page I gave a link for in my last reply you will see wiring diagrams for Hornby R8243 and Peco PL11 point motors, the wiring is very similar. These are both surface mount point motors. The R8243 for Hornby track and the PL11 for Peco track, best not mix up the track and motor brands in what you eventually decide to purchase. Both these surface mounted point motors are solenoid technology. You could consider Minx Microdrives, these are servo based surface mount motors to provide a more proto-typical slow point action. Minx are both DC and optionally compatible with DCC control so there is an upgrade path to DCC at a later date if you require it. Minx will work with any point brand. Have a look at the excellent video demo on the above web site. The demo focuses on using the buttons on the controller box, but if you notice all those blue wire connection terminal blocks, those allow operation switches to be located remotely. The terminal blocks also provide externally wired support for operating directional LED indicators and other options.

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It is going to be difficult for people to give an honest opinion about recommended brands here, as this is a Hornby site. People might have a preference for other brands that compete with Hornby, but cannot really voice that opinion here. What I will say is that Peco track brand gets mentioned a lot on here, take from that what you will.

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David, this reply is a long post. If you intend to reply to it, please do not use the 'Blue Quote' button. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, put your reply in the great big empty text box and click the 'Green Reply' button. This will prevent all my text being duplicated unneccessarily in the yellow box.

 

 

 

[2e0dtoeric]

I hadn't seen those minx drives before. Looks interesting, but a bit expensive. I've been toying with using r/c servos and a servo tester (about £8 for the pair) but haven't done it yet, even though I already have some for their original use! Of course, the servo doesn't include switching for power or signals.

[Chrissaf]

2e0, Granted it is not a cheap system but the price doesn't look too bad if you compare it to a pair of Tortoise motors plus ancillary components etc. Or a fully equipped DCC Concepts Cobalt system. Interestingly, the Minx DCC decoder is only £15 yet it hardly gets a mention on the website. The decoder could be the weak link in the chain and needs further investigation.

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PS - The £15 decoder plugs into the rear of the Minx controller box, so that would be £15 for every pair of points.

[david_denham]

Chris thanks for your replies

As for track I was given a flying Scotsman set R1039 which inc track pack A B was also given Pack C all in mint condition don't even think it's been used. I managed to find  guy on eBay who done me a very good deal on packs D and E which completes the layout on the track mat which came with the set. I must say I like the turntable extra that is shown but that's for another day. Lol it's getting expensive 

I have always modelled in 1/35 scale WWII era so imagine my glee when I find and buy a Battle of Britain class spitfire loco 

So that's where I am at now lol it's all about getting it on the board now which is my biggest prob as I have limited space. I am thinking about a folding 8x4 sheet that goes up against the wall when finished which means everything will need to be fixed down solid lol 

[Chrissaf]

David, good luck with the project.

[david_denham]

I think I am going to need it Chris lol