Ed, Bill, et al,
I am the "O" Scale modeler with the "massive" layout. Ed, you remember it.
You were here not too many years ago. Fortunately, it has progressed much
since then.
With regard to switch machines:
I use the Hankscraft display motors, 3 volts and 4 rpm. I purchased them
directly from Hankscraft and not through Switchmaster. I use a dpdt switch to
throw the switch and change the frog polarity. This involves ONE extra wire to
the frog. I don't know where everyone is getting the idea that there is a
"significant" amount of extra wiring with the dpdt switch. I did build a
variable voltage power supply but two HO power packs wired together to provide
a common return will do the trick and very cheaply. For crossovers, I use a
4pdt switch. I use only 3 poles. The 4th is available for signals if I ever
get to that point. One pole is used to throw both switch machines and the
other two poles change the polarity of the frogs.
The wiring is simple and minimalistic. Also, the switch machines are easy and
quick to install. Use a "U" shaped pipe hanger, 1.5" in diameter, and two
screws. One hole in the benchwork about 5/8" long by 3/16" wide and a stiff
piece of wire. Alignment is very forgiving. No fancy mechanism here. No
micro switches to fool with. The only curve ball is the power supply with a
common return. No problem with this either as I mentioned above.
Cheers,
Ed
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