Construction of a single blade switch based on the one found at Snaefell on the Isle of Man.  
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transpixel Here is a picture of the original switch located in Snaefell on the Isle of Man. transpixel
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transpixel Unlike my previous two switches, I decided to build this one in situ as its geometry is critical. transpixel
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transpixel I decided to extend the ties from the new track all the way to the existing main line so that when I rebuild the grade crossing, the entire thing will be supported and will move as a single piece. transpixel
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transpixel The outer rails of the wye are temporary in place to check the geometry. transpixel
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Here is a picture of the original switch located in Snaefell on the Isle of Man.
Viewed: 374 times.
Unlike my previous two switches, I decided to build this one in situ as its geometry is critical.
Viewed: 348 times.
I decided to extend the ties from the new track all the way to the existing main line so that when I rebuild the grade crossing, the entire thing will be supported and will move as a single piece.
Viewed: 265 times.
The outer rails of the wye are temporary in place to check the geometry.
Viewed: 256 times.
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transpixel At that point, one of the inner rail still needs to be cut. Keeping it long made it easy to check the alignement. transpixel
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transpixel The blade is in place! It is made of a flat steel strap used by carpenters for connecting beams together. There is a steel tip welded at the end to act as a thin point (while a rail could be filed down to the right shape, the aluminum would not be very robust). The pivot is made of a half inch diameter steel rod welded to the bottom of the plate and resting into an oversize tie. transpixel
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transpixel This picture and the next show the two positions of the blade. It does not close completely yet: the base plate needs to be ground some more. transpixel
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transpixel DSC00467.JPG transpixel
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At that point, one of the inner rail still needs to be cut. Keeping it long made it easy to check the alignement.
Viewed: 213 times.
The blade is in place! It is made of a flat steel strap used by carpenters for connecting beams together. There is a steel tip welded at the end to act as a thin point (while a rail could be filed down to the right shape, the aluminum would not be very robust). The pivot is made of a half inch diameter steel rod welded to the bottom of the plate and resting into an oversize tie.
Viewed: 250 times.
This picture and the next show the two positions of the blade. It does not close completely yet: the base plate needs to be ground some more.
Viewed: 303 times.
DSC00467.JPG
Viewed: 255 times.
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transpixel The rail is held in place by a "few" screws... transpixel
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transpixel The two diverging rails are held in place by screws holding them to a steel strap bent at a right angle and attached to the oversize tie. transpixel
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transpixel DSC00470.JPG transpixel
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transpixel The two grey plastic strips seen across the tracks have grooves machined in them to keep the rails in gauge. transpixel
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The rail is held in place by a "few" screws...
Viewed: 244 times.
The two diverging rails are held in place by screws holding them to a steel strap bent at a right angle and attached to the oversize tie.
Viewed: 295 times.
DSC00470.JPG
Viewed: 281 times.
The two grey plastic strips seen across the tracks have grooves machined in them to keep the rails in gauge.
Viewed: 290 times.
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