Linear Switch Machine

Linear Motion Switch Machine with Screw Terminals

Linear Switch Machine now comes with Screw Terminals to make frog power wiring installation easier.

(Don’t need frog power outputs but still want linear motion? Contact us!)

3D-printed linear motion switch machine. Linear motion helps to overcome some of the issues experienced when using fulcrum-type mounts.

• Keeps forces aligned with the turnout throwbar. This eliminates the side forces created by some fulcrum-type mounts, particularly when the mount orients the servo horn horizontally. Side forces can be especially problematic when the throw wire attaches to the throwbar outside of the rails as with Atlas code 55 N scale turnouts. The linear motion makes it fairly easy to install the mount so that the throwbar does not get pushed sideways towards the headblock ties during motion.
• Eliminates the up/down motion of throw wire while the servo is moving that is typical of fulcrum-type mounts. This means there is less chance of the throw wire catching on switch machine or ground throw details added to the headblock ties. The wire can be trimmed fairly close to the throwbar without concern about it getting pulled out while the turnout is in motion so less chance of catching fingers too!

Maximum travel is about 3/8″.

Throw wire is 0.039″ diameter and extends approximately 2.75″ above the mounting face.

Compact design – overall width and depth 1.4″ x 1.65″ including the servo, and 1.9″ tall.

Comes assembled with HobbyKing HK15178 Servo and SPDT TE/AlcoSwitch 3 Amp rated microswitch. Mounts with two #4 screws (included)

The included 0.039″ throw wire has worked well with the linear motion. You can swap in a longer throw wire with bends for offset mounting or semaphore control if needed. You can also swap in a 0.032″ diameter throw wire if you prefer a more flexible throw wire, but we suggest you try the 0.039″ wire first. The throw wires require a simple “L bend” and you can easily make them yourself if you want to change them out. The Throw Wire Changeout Instruction Sheet is available on the Downloads page.